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start

start

 
 
pronunciation:
start
parts of speech:
intransitive verb, transitive verb, noun
phrases:
start out, start up
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: starts, starting, started
definition 1: to begin activity or operation.
The engine started immediately.We have a lot to do, so we'd better start early.Let's start with a review of what we studied last week.
antonyms:
halt, stop
similar words:
begin, enter, get, launch, lead, put
definition 2: to commence; be set into process; get underway.
The session starts at noon.The English alphabet starts with the letter A.
synonyms:
begin, commence
antonyms:
cease, conclude, end, finish, stop, terminate
similar words:
appear, break out, dawn, develop, emerge, get, kick off, launch, lead, open, originate, rise, set in, spring, sprout, take effect
definition 3: to move or react suddenly or by reflex.
The cat started at the sound.
synonyms:
jump, spring
similar words:
bound, dart, dash, flinch, jerk, jolt, leap, react, recoil, shy, startle, twitch, wince
definition 4: to spring forth; appear suddenly.
The hare started from behind the bush.
synonyms:
burst, spring
similar words:
appear, emerge, gush, issue, pop, pour, spout, sprout, spurt, stream, well
definition 5: to appear to come out; protrude.
Her eyes started when his name was mentioned.
synonyms:
bulge, project, protrude
similar words:
extrude, jut out, pop, stick out, swell
 
part of speech: transitive verb
definition 1: to set in motion; cause to begin.
Who started the fight?The army started their campaign in the spring.
synonyms:
actuate, begin, commence, initiate
antonyms:
cease, conclude, end, halt, stop, terminate
similar words:
activate, approach, establish, foment, found, ignite, inaugurate, instigate, institute, introduce, kindle, launch, lead off, mount, pioneer, set about, undertake
definition 2: to begin the first steps or stages of.
He hasn't started his homework yet.I started making dinner at five o'clock.[verb + gerund ] She started to speak but then forgot what she was planning to say.[verb + infinitive ]
definition 3: to cause to come into existence.
My grandfather started this business.They waited a few years to start a family.It was getting cold, so they started a fire.
synonyms:
begin, create, establish, found, initiate, originate
antonyms:
terminate
similar words:
cause, conceive, develop, engender, father, form, generate, institute, introduce, launch, mother, open, undertake
definition 4: to cause (a machine, motor, or engine) to begin operating; switch on.
Did you start the dishwasher?
definition 5: to cause (someone or something) to begin the doing of something.
The earthquake started the house shaking.[verb + smby/smth + present participle ] The loud bang started the children screaming.[verb + smby/smth + present participle ]
similar words:
get, set
definition 6: to help (someone) begin a project, enterprise, or the like.
He started his brother in business.
synonyms:
establish, sponsor
similar words:
assist, back, finance, help, initiate, subsidize
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phrase: start out, start up
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the commencement of something; beginning.
We're looking forward to the start of summer.He was still trying to remember his lines at the start of the play.
synonyms:
beginning, commencement, origin
antonyms:
cessation, demise, end, finish, stop, stoppage, termination
similar words:
first, genesis, germ, inception, morning, onset, outset
definition 2: a quick, sudden, or involuntary movement.
The siren made him sit up with a start.
synonyms:
jerk, jump
similar words:
shy, startle
definition 3: the place or time something begins.
The work was done all wrong, and now we have to go back to the start.
synonyms:
beginning, origin
antonyms:
end, termination
definition 4: help or an opportunity provided to one pursuing some goal or activity.
She gave me my start in show business.
synonyms:
head start, help, support
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