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.

They began planning new shipping terminals on the West Coast to bring western coal to China.

From Los Angeles Times

The “bank holiday” stopped the run on the banks and began to restore public confidence.

From The Wall Street Journal

A reintroduction scheme, overseen by the charity, began in 2017, when osprey chicks were brought to Dorset from Scotland and released.

From BBC

Beijing is also expected to publish its 15th Five-Year Plan during the Two Sessions, which began on Wednesday with the opening of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, an advisory body.

From Barron's

Since the conflict with Iran began, more than 17,500 American citizens have left the Middle East and returned to the U.S., according to State Department spokesman Dylan Johnson.

From The Wall Street Journal