beginning
18 synonyms and 4 antonyms for beginning, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The point or period at which something starts.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use beginning
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English biginning, simply "begin" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ing."
Full origin of beginning →Frequently asked questions
What does “beginning” mean?
The word “beginning” means the point or period at which something starts. In plain terms, the start of something.
How do you pronounce “beginning”?
“Beginning” is pronounced bih-GIHN-ihng (/bɪˈɡɪn.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “beginning” in a sentence?
Here is “beginning” used in a sentence: “The beginning of the film is a bit slow.”
What is another word for “beginning”?
Words with a similar meaning to “beginning” include birth, font, fount, inauguration, initiation and launch.
What is the opposite of “beginning”?
The opposite of “beginning” — its antonyms — are conclusion, end, completion and finish.
What part of speech is “beginning”?
“Beginning” is a noun.
Where does the word “beginning” come from?
The word “beginning” comes from Middle English. From Middle English biginning, simply "begin" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ing.".
Is “beginning” a common word?
“Beginning” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between the beginning and the start?
The two are very close and usually interchangeable. Beginning often refers to the opening period or first part of something and can feel a little more formal, as in 'the beginning of history.' Start tends to point to the single moment an action kicks off, as in 'the start of the race.'
What is the opposite of beginning?
The main opposites are end, ending, conclusion, and finish. A beginning marks where something starts; the end marks where it stops. Depending on context, other contrasts include finale, close, and termination. This pairing of beginning and end runs through everyday language and storytelling.
What is an example of a beginning?
The first chapter of a novel, the opening scene of a film, a baby's birth, the dawn of a new year, or the moment a company is founded are all beginnings. The famous line 'In the beginning' opens the Book of Genesis.
Can something have more than one beginning?
Yes. Many things have several starting points depending on how you look at them — a project can have the beginning of its idea, its planning, and its launch. A 'fresh beginning' can also mean a new start taken after something earlier has come to an end.