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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.

If infected, an individual will typically begin to show measles symptoms seven to 21 days after exposure.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Seven-time winner Ronnie O'Sullivan will begin his bid for a record-breaking eighth World Snooker Championship title with a match against China's debutant He Guoqiang at the Crucible.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

As PIF considered pulling the plug, more than 50 LIV players were in Mexico on Wednesday ahead of a midseason tournament due to begin on Thursday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

One analyst says prediction markets have a way to go before financial institutions begin trading on them.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

Clare could not begin to guess what Gingersnipes considered more important than her own eternal fate, but he was glad of the distraction nonetheless.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman