begin

beginverb

1. startdo the first part of something, or start to happen

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj] verb + to-infinitive [V + to-inf] verb + -ing form [V + -ing]

   • The movie begins at eight o'clock.
   • Let's begin the meeting. V + obj
   • She began to cry when she heard the news. V + to-inf
   • He began working here last spring. V + -ing

   Collocations

   verb + noun begin a journey, begin a class, begin work, begin a conversation

   phrase begin again, begin at the beginning

   Synonyms start (very close in meaning; start also works for machines, vehicles, and businesses in ways begin does not); commence (formal; used in official or written announcements)

   Antonyms end; finish

   1. ahave or do something as the first part of a longer thing or activity

      transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj]

      • She began by thanking everyone for coming. V + prep + obj
      • Let's begin with the easiest question. V + prep + obj
      • The book begins with a short introduction. V + prep + obj

      Collocations

      verb + preposition begin by, begin with

   For translators (sense 1)

   Grammar trap Either a to-infinitive or an -ing form can follow begin, usually with little difference in meaning: she began to cry and she began crying both work.