Meaning & Definition of Begin in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To initiate or commence an action or process.

  Example Sentence: She will begin her presentation at 10 AM.

• Definition: To come into existence.

  Example Sentence: The project began last year.

• Definition: To take the first step in doing something.

  Example Sentence: He decided to begin learning a new language.

• Definition: To originate in a certain place or time.

  Example Sentence: Many great stories begin in small towns.

• Definition: To mark the start of a period or event.

  Example Sentence: The bell will begin the ceremony.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English: from be- ‘about’ + gin (from Old English gina ‘to open up’).

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• begin with: to start by doing something
• begin again: to start over or restart something
• to begin to: to start the action of doing something
• let's begin: a phrase used to indicate the start of an activity
• beginner's luck: the idea that a newcomer may succeed unexpectedly

Translations

• Spanish: empezar

• French: commencer

• German: beginnen

• Russian: начать

Related Words

• starting point: the place or time at which something starts

• introduction: the act of bringing something into use or operation for the first time

• genesis: the origin or mode of formation of something

• onset: the beginning of something, especially something unpleasant

Slang Meanings of begin

• Meaning: light it up

  Example Sentence: Let's light it up and get this party started!

• Meaning: kick off

  Example Sentence: We're going to kick off the event with a bang!