begin
begin
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "begin" is /bɪˈɡɪn/.
be-: /bɪ/
-gin: /ˈɡɪn/
Word Form Variations
"Begin" is primarily a verb. Here are its common word form variations:
Base Form (Infinitive): begin
Third-person singular present: begins
Present Participle: beginning
Past Simple: began
Past Participle: begun
While "begin" itself is a verb, it can be related to a noun form:
Noun: beginning (refers to the start of something)
Plural Noun: beginnings
There are no common adjective or adverb forms directly derived from "begin" itself, though "beginning" can function adjectivally (e.g., "the beginning stages").
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
To start or set in motion an action, process, or state; to undertake the first part of something.
Synonyms: commence, initiate, originate, launch, embark
Antonyms: end, finish, conclude, cease, stop
To come into existence; to have a specific starting point in time or space.
Synonyms: arise, emerge, originate, sprout, dawn
Antonyms: vanish, disappear, expire, terminate
To be the initial or earliest point of something.
Synonyms: precede, introduce, lead off, inaugurate
Antonyms: follow, succeed, conclude
Noun (related to "beginning")
The point in time or space at which something starts; the initial part or stage of something.
Synonyms: start, outset, inception, genesis, commencement
Antonyms: end, conclusion, finish, culmination, close
Examples of Use
Books:
"All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. Happy or unhappy, families begin with a story." (Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina)
"Every story has a beginning, a middle, and an end, but not necessarily in that order." (attributed to Jean-Luc Godard, often quoted in creative writing guides)
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." (Laozi, Tao Te Ching)
Newspapers:
"Negotiations to resolve the ongoing labor dispute are expected to begin next week, sources close to the talks indicate." (The New York Times)
"Construction on the new community center will begin this fall, bringing much-needed facilities to the neighborhood." (Local Gazette)
Online Publications:
"How to Begin Meditating: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners." (Mindful.org)
"The first signs of spring often begin with the blooming of crocuses and daffodils." (National Geographic Online)
"Our comprehensive guide on how to begin investing for retirement is now live." (Investopedia.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: (Dialogue) "This is where the fun begins." (Anakin Skywalker, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith)
Television Series: (Episode Title) "It's Time to Begin" (often used for pilot or season premiere episodes)
Music: "I begin to see the light." (lyrics from the song "I Begin to See the Light" by Duke Ellington)
Video Games: (On-screen prompt) "Press Start to Begin" (common instruction in many video games)
Podcasts: (Introductory statement) "Welcome to 'The Daily Download,' where we begin our day by breaking down the biggest news stories." (The Daily Download)
General Public Discourse:
"Let's begin by introducing ourselves." (common phrase used to start a meeting or group activity)
"I need to begin studying for my exams soon." (casual conversation between students)
"The performance will begin promptly at 7 PM." (announcement at a theater or concert venue)
"Where do I even begin?" (expression of overwhelm or uncertainty when faced with a large task)
10 Famous Quotes Using Begin
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." (Laozi, Tao Te Ching)
"Well begun is half done." (Aristotle)
"All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. Happy or unhappy, families begin with a story." (Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina)
"In a world where you can be anything, be kind. Kindness begins with me." (Unknown/Popular inspirational quote)
"Every story has a beginning, a middle, and an end." (Aristotle, concerning dramatic structure)
"This is where the fun begins." (Anakin Skywalker, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith)
"A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life. And if that's where he begins, it's downhill all the way." (Charles Darwin)
"When you begin to love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life." (Unknown/Popular inspirational quote)
"The best way to begin is to begin." (Unknown/Popular motivational quote)
"If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war against war, we shall have to begin with the children." (Mahatma Gandhi)
Etymology
The word "begin" has a history that stretches back to very old forms of the English language.
It comes from Old English (which was spoken before the Norman conquest in 1066) as "beginnan." This Old English word meant "to attempt, to undertake," or more simply, "to start."
"Beginnan" itself was formed by putting together two parts:
"be-": This was an old prefix, kind of like "by" or "at," and it often intensified the meaning of the word it was attached to.
"-ginnan": This part is a bit trickier. Its exact origin isn't super clear, but it's believed to have meant something like "to open" or "to open up." You can see a faint connection to words like "yawn," which involves opening the mouth. This "-ginnan" part wasn't usually used on its own but was found in other words with prefixes, like the Old English "onginnan," which also meant "to begin."
So, in essence, "begin" literally meant something like "to start to open up" or "to set in motion."
The first known uses of "begin" (or its Old English forms) were in the sense of taking the first step in an action or process, or for something to simply come into existence. For example, you might talk about a journey "beginning" or a custom "beginning" at a certain time.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Begin
To begin with: To start with; as a first point or consideration.
To begin a new chapter: To start a new and significant phase in life.
To begin to see the light: To start to understand something after a period of confusion or difficulty.
Well begun is half done: Starting a task efficiently and correctly makes the rest of it much easier.
To begin at the beginning: To start a story, explanation, or process from its very first point.
To begin from scratch: To start something completely from nothing, without any prior work or resources.
To begin to take shape: For something to start becoming clear, organized, or defined.
To begin to show: For signs or effects of something to become apparent.
The beginning of the end: The point at which something starts to decline or fail.
The beginning of wisdom: Often referring to the initial understanding or acceptance of a fundamental truth (e.g., "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom").
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of begin from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
