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.

The rally began after BofA Securities reinstated coverage of the stock, citing a potential “AI-driven reset.”

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

The theory began to take shape in the 1920s, when Georges Lemaître linked Edwin Hubble’s observations of receding galaxies with Alexander Friedmann’s earlier equations describing an expanding universe.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

As crews made progress against the Sandy fire after sunset Monday evening, authorities began to lift evacuation warnings in some areas.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

But he apologised for not seeking further advice as the company began working on defence matters, saying this was "an oversight for which the excessive speed of events is the only mitigating circumstance".

From BBC • May 19, 2026

It was that year of 1904, when automobiles began to burn up the rural byways.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck