begin

be-gin · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    Start; perform or undergo the first part of an action or activity.

  2. 2.

    Come into being or have its starting point.

  3. 3.

    Start speaking by saying.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    begin with — Start with; have as the first item or step.
  • •
    to begin with — In the first place; firstly.
  • •
    begin to see — Start to understand.

Related words

Antonyms: conclude, end, finish, stop
See also: began, beginning, begins, begun, start
Synonyms: commence, initiate, launch, start

Etymology

From Old English beginnan ("to begin"), from Proto-Germanic biginnaną. Related to German beginnen.