Synonyms for

Beginning

Verb / bɪˈgɪnɪŋ / Another word for beginning — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the start or first part of something

Synonyms & similar words

start commence ending getgo showtime end offset middle finish origin first startingtime outset commencement source get root setabout leadoff rootage getdown begin kickoff startout setout start commencement opening onset outset dawn origination launch initiation inauguration birth genesis source creation incipience outbreak prelude prologue kickoff embryo

Synonyms by register

Formal

commencement inception initiation origination

Informal

start outset kickoff jump-off

Literary

dawn genesis advent

Antonyms

end conclusion finish termination close cessation expiration

Common collocations

  • the beginning of the end
  • at the beginning
  • from the beginning
  • beginning to end
  • a new beginning
  • the very beginning
  • beginning stages

Word family

noun beginning
verb begin
adjective beginning
adverb beggingly

Usage note

While 'beginning' can be used for both abstract and concrete starts, 'commencement' is often used for formal events like graduations. 'Inception' refers to the very start of an idea or organization.

Example sentences

  1. I always like the beginning of a new school year.
  2. The beginning of the movie was really scary.
  3. In the beginning, there was only darkness.
  4. The beginning of the race was very exciting.
  5. The beginning of a new project is always the hardest.

Quotes

  • The beginning is always today. - Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
  • The beginning is the most important part of the work. - Plato
  • Every end is a new beginning. - Proverb

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