Begin Definition, Examples, and Common Usage

Meaning 1：start (begin)

begin 🔊

/bɪˈɡɪn/

to do the first part of an action or to make something start.

Begin action pressing play button on remote control

start 🔊

➕

/stɑːrt/

To perform the first part of an action; to cause something to start happening or existing.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'beginnan', from 'be-' (around, about) + 'ginnan' (to open, to start).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'be' + 'gin' = start the gin (game). Or remember 'big-in' — take a big step in to begin.

📖 Example

After taking a deep breath, she began to speak in front of the class. 🔊 She took a deep breath and then started speaking before the entire class.

🔗 Collocations

begin to do something – start performing an action

begin with something – have something as the first part

begin doing something – start an ongoing activity

🔄 Synonyms

start (v.) – to begin doing something

commence (v.) – to begin, often used in formal contexts

initiate (v.) – to cause a process or action to begin

🚫 Antonyms

end (v.) – to stop or finish something

finish (v.) – to complete something

stop (v.) – to cease doing something

🌱 Derivatives

beginner (n.) – a person who is starting to learn or do something

beginning (n.) – the point in time or space at which something starts

begun (v.) – past participle of begin

📖 Cultural Story

Begin comes from Old English 'beginnan', which replaced the earlier verb 'onginnan'. It is related to German 'beginnen' and Dutch 'beginnen', all meaning 'to start'.