begin

The word “begin” means to start doing something, or for something to start happening. In plain terms, to start something, or for something to start.

“Begin” is pronounced bih-GIHN (/bɪˈɡɪn/ in IPA).

Here is “begin” used in a sentence: “The meeting will begin at nine sharp.”

Words with a similar meaning to “begin” include commence, go, inchoate, initiate, open and issue.

The opposite of “begin” — its antonyms — is end.

“Begin” is a verb.

The word “begin” comes from Old English. From Old English beginnan, built from the prefix be- attached to an old Germanic verb root meaning "to open" or "to start.".

“Begin” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

The two are almost always interchangeable, as both mean to set something in motion. 'Begin' sounds slightly more formal and is common in writing, while 'start' is a touch more casual and covers extra senses, like starting an engine or a car. In everyday speech, either one works.

The simple past is 'began', as in 'we began the meeting'. The past participle, used with 'have' or 'had', is 'begun', as in 'we have begun'. A common mistake is saying 'we begun', which is incorrect; 'begun' always needs a helping verb alongside it.

The main opposites are 'end', 'finish', and 'stop', which mark the conclusion of an activity rather than its outset. 'Complete' and 'conclude' work when something is brought to a proper close. Which one fits depends on whether the action simply stopped or was fully carried through.

'Begin' is neutral and works in almost any setting, though it feels slightly more formal than 'start'. You will see it in books, reports, and speeches as often as in conversation. For a more formal alternative still, writers often choose 'commence', which suits official or ceremonial contexts.