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Definitions

begin

[bih-gin] / bɪˈgɪn /
VERB
start
Synonyms
STRONGEST
commence create do establish found go ahead go into inaugurate initiate introduce launch lead make open prepare produce set up start 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 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.

Spain and Hungary have been popular among Chinese companies looking to begin battery and car production in Europe to escape EU tariffs on imported vehicles.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

That makes it unlikely Japan will begin supplying arms directly to Ukraine, for instance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

“They begin in Santa Barbara County and end in Kern County.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

AST SpaceMobile aims to begin commercial services in the second half of the year.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

To begin with, you must guard the fact of its existence.

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville