commence

To commence something means to begin it, often in a formal or official way. Think of a graduation ceremony: the speaker doesn't just start talking; they commence their address. It suggests a clear and deliberate beginning, like when construction crews commence building a new bridge. While "start" is fine for everyday use, "commence" adds a touch of formality. You can also hear it for the start of legal proceedings—a trial may commence on Monday.

The word "commence" means to begin or start something, particularly an event, activity, or process. It carries a sense of formality and often implies an official, organized beginning. While similar to "start," "commence" suggests a more structured or significant undertaking.

Imagine a grand opening—the ribbon isn't simply cut; the ceremony commences with a speech from the mayor. Or consider a legal case; it doesn't just begin, it commences in court. You might read that "hostilities commenced" during wartime, meaning fighting officially began.

Historically, "commence" comes from Old French, meaning "to begin," and has long been associated with formal or official proceedings. It's often used in legal documents, business reports, and ceremonial contexts. While you wouldn't typically say, "I commence my breakfast," you would say, "The meeting will commence promptly at 9 a.m."

So, if something is being initiated with a degree of formality or significance, chances are it's being commenced. It's a word that signals not just the beginning of an action, but its official and purposeful launch.