begin, commence, start, initiate, inaugurate, usher in mean to take the first step in a course, process, or operation. begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable.

start – begin 1. used with noun phrases If you start or begin something, you do it from a particular time. There is no difference in meaning. My father started work when he was fourteen. We'll …

Grammar Begin or start? We can use the verbs begin and start to mean the same thing but begin is more formal than start. Begin is an irregular verb. Its past simple form is began and its -ed …

If you say that you cannot begin to imagine, understand, or explain something, you are emphasizing that it is almost impossible to explain, understand, or imagine.

Begin, commence, initiate, start (when followed by noun or gerund) refer to setting into motion or progress something that continues for some time. Begin is the common term: to begin knitting …

Oct 13, 2025 · begin (third-person singular simple present begins, present participle beginning, simple past began, past participle begun) (ergative) To start, to initiate or take the first step …

Definition of begin verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.