beginning

beginning

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "beginning" is /bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/.

Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:

• be-: /bɪ/ (as in "bit")

• -gin-: /ɡɪn/ (as in "gin")

• -ning: /ɪŋ/ (as in "sing")

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Word Form Variations

• Verb (base form): begin

• Verb (past tense): began

• Verb (past participle): begun

• Verb (present participle/gerund): beginning

• Noun: beginning

• Noun (plural): beginnings

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

• Definition 1: The point in time or space at which something starts to exist, happen, or be done.

• Synonyms: start, outset, commencement, inception, genesis

• Antonyms: end, conclusion, finish, culmination, termination

• Definition 2: The initial stage or part of something.

• Synonyms: introduction, prelude, opening, preface, groundwork

• Antonyms: aftermath, epilogue, denouement, finale

Verb (Present Participle/Gerund)

• Definition: The act of initiating an action, process, or state; commencing something.

• Synonyms: starting, commencing, initiating, launching, embarking

• Antonyms: ending, finishing, concluding, stopping, ceasing

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Examples of Use

Books: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1, King James Bible)

Newspapers: "The new trade deal marks the beginning of a more stable economic relationship between the two nations." ( The Wall Street Journal)

Online Publications: "For many small businesses, the first few months are the hardest, but a strong marketing strategy can be the beginning of sustained growth." (Forbes.com)

Entertainment Mediums (Film): "This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." ( Casablanca, 1944)

Entertainment Platforms (Music): "Just the beginning of a new day." (Alicia Keys, "Superwoman," November 2007)

Entertainment Platforms (Television): "The first season was just the beginning of the complex narrative that unfolded over the years." (Referring to Game of Thrones, HBO, April 2011)

General Public Discourse: "It was a tough start, but we're seeing the beginning of some real progress on the project."

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10 Quotes Using Beginning

1. "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." (Winston Churchill)

2. "The beginning is the most important part of the work." (Plato)

3. "The journey of a thousand miles beginning with a single step." (Lao Tzu)

4. "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end." (Seneca)

5. "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance." (Oscar Wilde)

6. "Imagination is the beginning of creation." (George Bernard Shaw)

7. "The beginning is always today." (Mary Shelley)

8. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom." (Proverbs 9:10)

9. "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." (Edward Everett Hale)

10. "Be willing to be a beginner every single morning." (Meister Eckhart)

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Etymology

The word "beginning" comes from the Old English word "onginnan," which meant "to open" or "to undertake." It's a combination of "on-" (which is like our modern "on," suggesting initiation) and "ginnan" (which is related to words like "gain" and "go," implying movement or a start).

So, if you think of it, the very first meaning of "beginning" was about starting something, getting something underway, or the point where something essentially "opens up" into existence or action. It captures that initial moment of creation or initiation.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Beginning

• At the beginning: At the start or initial point.

• From beginning to end: Throughout the entire duration; completely.

• A new beginning: A fresh start or opportunity.

• The beginning of the end: The point at which a situation or process starts to decline or conclude, often negatively.

• In the beginning: At the earliest stage of time or a process.

• The humble beginnings: The modest or simple origins of something or someone successful.

• A shaky beginning: A start that is uncertain or unstable.

• The beginning of wisdom: The fundamental understanding or first step towards knowledge.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of beginning from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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