Commence: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：begin formally (commence)

commence 🔊

/kəˈmens/

to begin something, especially something formal or official.

Commence definition illustrated by a university president starting a graduation ceremony.

begin formally 🔊

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/ˈbiːɡɪn ˈfɔːrməli/

To initiate or start an action, process, or event, particularly one that is formal, official, or significant.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin *cominitiare*, from *com-* (together) + *initiare* (to begin).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: "Come, men, let's start!" (Sounds like 'come men's' to commence).

📖 Example

The wedding ceremony will commence right after the exchange of vows. 🔊 The formal start of the wedding ceremony will occur immediately following the exchange of vows.

🔗 Collocations

commence operations – to begin business or functional activities

commence proceedings – to start a legal process or action

commence with – to begin by doing a particular thing

🔄 Synonyms

begin (v.) – A more general and common term for starting something.

start (v.) – Similar to begin, often used in less formal contexts.

inaugurate (v.) – To formally begin or introduce something, especially with a ceremony.

🚫 Antonyms

conclude (v.) – To bring something to an end.

terminate (v.) – To end something formally or definitively.

cease (v.) – To stop or bring something to an end.

🌱 Derivatives

commencement (n.) – The beginning of something; also a ceremony for conferring academic degrees.

commencing (gerund/v.) – The act of beginning.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin via Old French, "commence" entered English with a formal and official connotation. It is frequently used in legal documents (e.g., "commence proceedings"), academic ceremonies (e.g., commencement), and formal announcements, marking a deliberate and often ceremonial start.