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Definitions

begin

[bih-gin] / bɪˈgɪn /
VERB
start
Synonyms
STRONGEST
commence create do establish found go ahead go into inaugurate initiate introduce launch lead make open prepare produce set up start undertake
STRONG
activate actualize cause drive effect eventuate generate impel induce instigate institute motivate mount occasion originate trigger
WEAK
break ground break the ice bring about bring to pass embark on enter on enter upon get going give birth to give impulse lay foundation for make active plunge into set about set in motion
Antonyms
STRONGEST
cease close conclude destroy end fail finish halt ignore lose neglect ruin stop
STRONG
check discourage dissuade prevent repress
WEAK
complete consummate die
VERB
come into being; become functional
Synonyms
STRONGEST
appear come out commence emerge enter happen occur rise set take off
STRONG
arise bud dawn emanate germinate originate sail spring sprout
WEAK
be born come forth come into existence crop up derive from get going get show on road get under way grow out of issue forth kick off make tick proceed from result from send off stem from
Antonyms
STRONGEST
complete disappear end finish hide leave stop
STRONG
die shrink
WEAK
conclude consummate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When that happens, they begin to cool and expand, entering a phase known as a red giant.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

The warning, covering northern England, north-west Wales and southern Scotland, will begin at 19:00 BST and is due to expire at 03:00 on Sunday.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

The school may, for example, begin allowing tenured professors to take longer leaves to work on companies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Congress returns from a break the week of April 13 and will begin debating the budget even as lawmakers are fighting over the current year’s Department of Homeland Security funds.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

I know when it will begin, and when it will end, and what it will look like in between, and I can fight through it, and beat it.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.