Reading Theme:
Commencement: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：graduation ceremony (commencement)
commencement
/kəˈmensmənt/
n.
A formal ceremony where students who have finished their studies receive their degrees or diplomas, marking the end of their school life.
graduation ceremony
➕
/ˌɡrædʒuˈeɪʃn ˈserəmoʊni/
n.
The formal event where students receive their academic degrees, celebrating the completion of their studies.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'com-' (together) + 'initiare' (to begin), meaning 'to begin together'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think: 'Come, men, cement your future!' at the start (commencement) of your career.
📖 Example
At the university commencement, graduates threw their caps into the air with joy and excitement.
At the university graduation ceremony, graduates threw their caps into the air with joy and excitement.
🔗 Collocations
attend a commencement – to be present at a graduation ceremony
commencement address – a speech given at a graduation ceremony
commencement exercises – the formal activities of a graduation ceremony
🔄 Synonyms
graduation (n.) – The act of receiving a diploma or degree; the ceremony for this.
convocation (n.) – A large formal assembly, especially for a university ceremony.
ceremony (n.) – A formal event held on an important occasion.
🌱 Derivatives
commence (v.) – to begin or start
📖 Cultural Story
The word entered English via Old French from Latin 'cominitiare'. In academic culture, the graduation ceremony is called 'commencement' because it marks the beginning of the graduates' professional lives, not just the end of their studies.
Meaning 2：beginning (commencement)
commencement
/kəˈmensmənt/
n.
The point in time when something starts or begins; the beginning of an event or process.
beginning
➕
/bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/
n.
The point in time when something starts; the initial stage of an event or process.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The commencement of the new project is scheduled for next Monday, after the planning is finalized.
The beginning of the new project is scheduled for next Monday, after the planning is finalized.
🔗 Collocations
commencement of work – the start of a job or task
at the commencement – at the very beginning
from the commencement – from the start
🔄 Synonyms
start (n.) – The point in time or space at which something begins.
onset (n.) – The beginning of something, especially something unpleasant.
initiation (n.) – The action of beginning something.
🚫 Antonyms
end (n.) – The final part of something.
conclusion (n.) – The end or finish of an event, process, or text.
termination (n.) – The action of bringing something or coming to an end.
Wordbook
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