Word Frequency
begin (bɪˈɡɪn
)
Definitions
verb
-gins, -ginning, -gan, -gun- to start or cause to start (something or to do something)
- to bring or come into being for the first time; arise or originate
- to start to say or speak
- used with a negative to have the least capacity (to do something) ⇒
he couldn't begin to compete with her
-
See to begin with
Word Origin
Old English beginnan; related to Old High German biginnan, Gothic duginnanSynonyms
View thesaurus entry = commence, start, initiate, embark on, set about, instigate, inaugurate, institute, make a beginning, set on foot
= start talking, start, open, initiate, commence, lead off, begin business, get or start the ball rolling
= come into existence, start, appear, emerge, spring, be born, arise, dawn, be developed, be created, originate, commence, be invented, become available, crop up, come into being
= start
Example Sentences Including 'begun'
Anxiously, he'd made his way out on deck and begun to search.THE LAST TEMPTATION (2002)
But before he reached us, he had begun shouting, `Police, stop!SOMEBODY (2002)
Eagle Star and Hibernian have begun separate legal proceedings against DCC and its chief executive.Irish Times (2002)
It is understood that Special Branch officers ' families have begun moving home.Irish Times (2002)
Market looked down to the south; the sky had begun to darken.YESTERDAY'S SHADOW (2002)
Meanwhile, First Tuesday Scotland has begun implementing annual membership fees to its existing members.Glasgow Herald (2001)
Petit Jean had begun whittling with the knife that he kept with him even in bed.THE VIRGIN BLUE (2002)
The countdown has begun for two NASA spacecraft - searching for hints of life in the Solar System - to reach their targets.New Scientist (2004)
The subject was how the IRA had begun decommissioning its arms.Glasgow Herald (2001)
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