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.

First, highly skilled Eastern European players began taking over the sport at the professional level.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It was such a really inspiring experience, I began to feel that I wanted to challenge myself as an artist in Los Angeles,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Clear shares began their surge late last month, when the company provided sales guidance well exceeding Wall Street estimates.

From The Wall Street Journal

The stand closed through much of the surge; the restaurant stayed open but only recently began serving food again.

From The Wall Street Journal

The FAI heard that in the aftermath of the death the care home began placing different types of meals on different coloured plates, with the colour coding reflected on the meal menu sheet.

From BBC