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 say that they are in a position to seize the tanker should the White House give the green light to proceed, more than 10 days into a pursuit that began around Venezuelan waters.

From The Wall Street Journal

Though bonds rallied this year, Treasury yields have remained relatively stable since the Fed began cutting last year, pressuring businesses that need to borrow and keeping mortgage rates far above prepandemic levels.

From The Wall Street Journal

Emma said she began using sunbeds at 16, often before holidays to get a "base tan", spending between eight and 10 minutes on one each time.

From BBC

I went home, ran for city council and after reading Mr. Sasses’s 2018 book, “Them: Why We Hate Each Other—and How to Heal,” began revisiting local ordinances to reduce loneliness and strengthen civic life.

From The Wall Street Journal

“When they began with the drone attacks, it was a fairly severe impact—the sudden appearance of a capability that, quite frankly, wasn’t on our radar,” said Maj.

From The Wall Street Journal