WordGarden.iostart
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈɑːt/
US
- /ˈstɑrt/
Meanings
Verb
to begin doing something or to cause something to begin
to make a machine, engine, device, or program begin operating
Noun
the beginning point of a period, event, or process
a sudden involuntary movement caused by surprise, fear, or alarm
Beyond the definition
To start something is to begin it, to set it in motion. You might start a car with a key, start a conversation by saying hello, or start a new hobby like painting. It is the first step in doing something.
The word "start" can be a verb, meaning an action, or a noun, meaning the beginning itself. "She got a good start on her homework" means she began early and made progress. A false start is when something begins the wrong way or too soon, like in a race. Sometimes, "start" can also mean to jump or move suddenly because of surprise, as in, "I started at the loud noise."
The word "start" seems simple, but it has several common uses. At its core, to start something means to begin an action or begin a process. You might start a project by writing down your goals, start a fire with kindling, or start a new life in a different city.
As a verb, "start" points to the beginning of an activity or state. "The movie will start at seven o'clock." But it can also mean to suddenly move or react, as in, "He started when he saw the spider." In that sense, it shows surprise or fear.
As a noun, "start" refers to the beginning point itself, the first part of something. "She had a slow start this morning" means she did not begin her day with much energy. A "fresh start" means a chance to begin again after a problem or disappointment.
The word also has a special meaning in racing and other competitions: a false start is when someone begins before the signal. This shows that "start" is not only about beginning, but also about beginning at the right moment.
So whether you are beginning a new project, reacting to something unexpected, marking the opening of an event, or trying not to move too soon, "start" is a flexible word for the act of beginning and the moment when something first happens.
Examples
- 1
Scheduled event
The meeting starts at nine, so try to be on time.
- 2
Emotional reaction
She started laughing when she saw the message.
- 3
Learning process
I’m starting to understand how this software works.
- 4
First step
Let’s start with the easiest question.
- Patternstart with + first thing
begin by doing or using it first
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Business creation
He started a small business from his apartment.
- 6
Engine problem
My car wouldn’t start this morning.
- 7
Life change
After the divorce, she moved to another city and started over.
- Phrasestart over
begin again
- 8
Story pace
The film starts off slowly, but it gets much better.
- Phrasestart off
begin in a particular way
- 9
Lesson opening
At the start of the lesson, the teacher checked our homework.
- 10
Beginning time
I knew from the start that the plan would be expensive.
- Phrasefrom the start
from the beginning
- 11
New chance
Changing schools gave him a fresh start.
- Phrasea fresh start
a new chance to begin again
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- startnounverb
Forms
- startedpast tenseverbnoun
- starting-ing formverbnoun
- startspluralnounverb