beginning

be-gin-ning · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The point in time or space at which something starts.

  2. 2.

    The first part or early stage of something.

  3. 3.

    [plural]The initial stages or origins of something.

  4. 4.

    The background or origin of a person.

Forms

plural: beginnings

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in the beginning — At the very start; originally.
  • •
    at the beginning — At the start of something specific.
  • •
    from beginning to end — Throughout; completely.
  • •
    beginning of the end — The start of a decline.
  • •
    from the beginning — From the start.
  • •
    a good beginning — A promising start.

Related words

Antonyms: conclusion, end, finish
See also: begin, end, origin, start
Synonyms: commencement, onset, origin, start

Etymology

From Old English beginnan ("to begin") + -ing. Related to German beginnen.