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.

One street vendor in the capital, Harare said the prices of everything had shot up since the war in Iran began.

From BBC

“Stocks have actually gone up relative to long-term bonds since the Iranian war began,” Elliott said, adding that this makes little sense.

From MarketWatch

Slovenia, which has capped prices, announced it would restrict daily fuel purchases after people from neighboring countries began driving across the border to fuel up.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I am really sad to have to share this, but I wanted you all to hear it from me,” Gellar began.

From Salon

The pair began their campaign in the capital, pledging to expand free childcare and to provide free bus travel for all.

From BBC