Definitions

began

[bih-gan] / bɪˈgæn /

VERB

start

Synonyms

STRONGEST

commence create do establish found go ahead go into inaugurate initiate introduce launch lead make open prepare produce set up 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 start 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 he eventually joined Malaga and began to stand out - before the age of 16 - Europe took notice.

From BBC

He is British and began his career as a reporter in London with a magazine at the Financial Times Group.

From The Wall Street Journal

As the fire began, the band's lead singer turned and said, calmly over the PA system: "Wow, that's not good."

From BBC

It has been nearly a decade since details of their “enterprise,” as prosecutors have called it, began to spread in late 2016, after police were called to the penthouse.

From The Wall Street Journal

His generation is one that "had very little to enjoy growing up, and only began to enjoy things later, as adults", he says.

From BBC