Definition
to begin: to start, to commence, to initiate
The show has begun. The show has started.
To begin with, let me introduce myself. Before anything else, let me introduce myself.
I cannot begin to thank you. I don't know how to thank you. I can't thank you enough. I'm extremely grateful.
This is an irregular verb:
I begin / I began / I have begun
beginning (September): starting from, commencing from (September)
Beginning next week, we will have a new coffee machine. It's arriving on Monday.
the beginning: the start, the commencement
Pronunciation examples
UK: Hello, it's my first day in this job. Where should I begin?
US: Well in the beginning you should make colleagues drinks, that's how I began. I'll have a coffee please.
- "Despite his humble beginnings in the deepest, darkest Amazon, General Oléré stood out like a shining star."
- "Lawrence Laughsalot : You will begin now Olero!"
- "Brother Jones, please begin."
- "Lawyer : Ok, let's begin."
- "Well I'm beginning to see the light."
- "As I begin this new chapter in my life, substituting meaningless sexual encounters with meaningful brush strokes, I would appreciate the support of my colleagues as I reveal the fruits of my labor."
- "You have 30 seconds, begin now!"
- "Our first session will now begin."
- "Danica : Your honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I'd like to begin with a story, if you'll permit."
- "As her delicate hands served each dish, each more exquisite than the last, my mind started to wander and I began to imagine a future with Betty by my side, maybe even as my wife."
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