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.

Like Dudamel, who began conducting student orchestras in Venezuela in his early teens, Harding was already making waves at a young age.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

The outages began on Saturday and peaked on Sunday when about 800 properties in the villages of Charing, Challock and Molash were unable to get water.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Coltrane dominated the 1960s and died in 1967 just as acoustic jazz began to lose its luster in the U.S. with the advent of jazz rock and electronic jazz fusion.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

The University of Michigan’s survey of consumer sentiment sank to 44.8 in May, marking the lowest level in records dating back to 1978, when the university began publishing the index on a monthly basis.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

And so Harry and Cato began their life at Mrs. De Boer’s, living in one of the narrow dormers in the attic.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom