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.

“We began the conversations around a question: What would it look like if the resort were guided by a stewardship model that more fully reflected the long-term interests of the region that depends on it?”

From The Wall Street Journal

He began his religious instruction at 4 and continued his studies at the revered hawza, a network of illustrious seminaries.

From Los Angeles Times

Forensics established that the confrontation began in the bedroom and moved into the hall.

From BBC

It also came after sunrise, just as practicing Muslims began the daylong fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

From The Wall Street Journal

Inside, some people had brought prams, others, who were reservists, their assault rifles while some began praying in a small group.

From Barron's