Commence

/kəˈmɛns/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to begin or start

The meeting will commence at 10 AM sharp.

to take the first step in a process or activity

They will commence construction of the new school next month.

to begin a particular course of action

She decided to commence her studies in environmental science.

to perform the initial action in a sequence

The ceremony will commence with a welcome speech.

Middle English, from Old French 'comencier', from 'com-' (together) + 'ençier' (to begin)

commence operations

to start functioning or working, often in a formal context

commence proceedings

to begin legal actions or formal discussions

commence a journey

to start traveling

initiate

to start or cause to start

inaugurate

to begin or introduce a system, policy, or period

launch

to start or set in motion

Kick off

Let’s kick off the meeting with some introductions.

Get the ball rolling

We need to get the ball rolling on this project.