noun
Very common
starting
STAH-tihng
Starting (noun) means the act or process of beginning something. Example: “The starting of the engine took three tries in the cold.”
noun
1
The act or process of beginning something.
"constant startings and stoppings"
"The starting of the engine took three tries in the cold."
"The starting of a new habit is always the hardest part."
"Before the starting of the race, the runners stretched quietly."
How to use starting
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of starting — used mainly in fixed phrases like "starting point" or "starting line."
Common pairings
starting point
starting line
starting salary
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Word forms
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The _____ of the engine took three tries in the cold.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for starting
See all rhymes for starting →Frequently asked questions
What does “starting” mean?
The word “starting” means the act or process of beginning something. In plain terms, the act of starting — used mainly in fixed phrases like "starting point" or "starting line.".
How do you pronounce “starting”?
“Starting” is pronounced STAH-tihng (/ˈstɑɹtɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “starting” in a sentence?
Here is “starting” used in a sentence: “The starting of the engine took three tries in the cold.”
What part of speech is “starting”?
“Starting” is a noun.
Is “starting” a common word?
“Starting” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between starting and beginning?
The two are close synonyms and usually interchangeable. 'Starting' often stresses setting something in motion or getting it going, as with starting a car. 'Beginning' tends to emphasise the first point in time or sequence. You start an engine and begin a story, though either word usually works.
What is the opposite of starting?
The usual opposites are 'stopping', 'finishing', and 'ending', which describe bringing something to a close rather than setting it in motion. 'Stopping' suggests halting an action, while 'finishing' and 'ending' suggest reaching completion. Each contrasts with the sense of beginning or activating something new.
What does 'starting' mean as an adjective?
As an adjective, 'starting' marks the point where something begins, as in a starting point, starting line, or starting salary, the first or initial one. In sport, a starting player is in the line-up from the first whistle rather than on the bench. It consistently points to the beginning of things.
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