WordGarden.iobegin
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /bɪɡˈɪn/
US
- /bɪˈɡɪn/
Meanings
Verb
to start doing something or to come into its initial stage
Beyond the definition
To begin is to start something—take the first step on a journey, launch a project, or simply utter the opening words of a story. Think of a race: the starting gun tells everyone to begin. It is more than something that happens on its own; it means setting a process in motion. You might begin your day with coffee, begin a new hobby, or begin to understand a difficult concept. Sometimes begin is used for natural changes, such as in: "The rain began to fall."
We all know the feeling of standing at the threshold of something new—that moment right before you begin. To begin means to start, commence, or initiate an action, event, or process. It can be a deliberate act of setting something in motion, though it also describes things that start naturally. "The concert will begin at 8 p.m.," suggests a planned start time. You might also say, "Trouble began when the storm rolled in," indicating an unplanned one.
"Begin" isn't just about physical actions; it can also refer to shifts in states of being or understanding. You might begin to feel better after taking medicine, or begin to see things from a different perspective.
Interestingly, "begin" has roots stretching back to Old English and Germanic languages, all hinting at the idea of an origin or opening. It's a foundational word—literally! Think about stories; every narrative must begin somewhere, setting the stage for everything that follows. The common phrase "from beginning to end" emphasizes the word's role as the essential marker of an origin point.
So whether you're launching a new venture, feeling a shift within yourself, or simply starting your day, "begin" marks the crucial moment where potential turns into action and possibility becomes reality.
Examples
- 1
Class time
Class begins at nine, so don't be late.
- 2
Visible reaction
She began to smile when she saw the puppy.
- 3
Learning
I began learning Spanish last year.
- 4
Seasonal change
It's beginning to feel like spring.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
First part
The book begins with a letter from the main character.
- Patternbegin with + thing
have that thing as the first part
- 6
Opening action
He began by thanking everyone for coming.
- Patternbegin by + -ing verb
do that first
- 7
Business talks
Talks between the two companies will begin next week.
- 8
Gradual understanding
I'm beginning to understand why she made that decision.
- 9
Overwhelmed
There were so many problems with the report that I didn't know where to begin.
- Phrasewhere to begin
what part to deal with first
- 10
Initial opinion
To begin with, I thought the trip was a bad idea.
- Phraseto begin with
at first
See also
Forms and spellings
5 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- beginverbnoun
Forms
- beganpast tenseverbnoun
- beginning-ing formverbnoun
- beginsverbnoun
- begunpast participleverbnoun