Begin

/bɪˈɡɪn/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to start or commence (something)
She decided to begin her homework early in the evening.
to be the first part of a sequence or event
The concert will begin at 7 PM sharp.
to originate or arise from a source
The river begins in the mountains and flows down to the valley.
to undertake an activity or process
It's important to begin your day with a healthy breakfast.
to initiate a process or action
They plan to begin the renovation of the house next month.

Etymology

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

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

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

light it up
Let's light it up and get this party started!
kick off
We're going to kick off the event with a bang!