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begin

be·gin

begin

 
pronunciation:
b gIn
parts of speech:
intransitive verb, transitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: begins, beginning, began, begun
definition 1: to perform the first step in a process; start.
If you've finished reading the instructions, please begin.Let's begin with the kitchen and clean up the living room later.
synonyms:
commence, set about, start
antonyms:
finish
similar words:
embark, enter, get, launch, lead, open
definition 2: to be set in process; start.
The race will begin at noon.The pain began suddenly.My day began with an early morning phone call from my mother.The play begins with just one actor on the stage.
synonyms:
commence, set in, start
antonyms:
conclude, end, stop
definition 3: to come into being.
My swim club membership began two years ago.
synonyms:
commence, originate, start
antonyms:
disappear, end, terminate
similar words:
rise, set in, take effect
 
part of speech: transitive verb
definition 1: to perform the first step of (something); start.
He begins his work by mixing the paint.The day was warm and the snow began to melt.[verb + infinitive ] She began studying for the exam only a few hours before it started.[verb + gerund ]
synonyms:
commence, kick off, lead, open, set about, start
antonyms:
cease, close, complete, conclude, end, finish, stop, terminate
similar words:
approach, establish, introduce, launch, mount, pioneer, preface
definition 2: to serve as the first step of (something)
The school song begins the ceremony.
definition 3: to cause to come into being.
They began an organization to promote voting rights for women.
synonyms:
commence, inaugurate, initiate, start, undertake
antonyms:
end, terminate
similar words:
actuate, conceive, create, establish, found, institute, introduce, launch, originate, pioneer, usher
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