beginning
bih-GIHN-ihng
Beginning (noun) means the point or period at which something starts. Example: “Read the instructions from the beginning before you start building the shelf.”
noun
1
The point or period at which something starts.
"Read the instructions from the beginning before you start building the shelf."
"The beginning of the film is a bit slow."
"They fell in love at the beginning of the summer."
How to use beginning
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe start of something.
Common pairings
from the beginning
the beginning of time
a fresh beginning
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Word forms
- Plural
- beginnings
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Etymology
From Middle English biginning, simply "begin" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ing."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for beginning
See all rhymes for 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.
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