commence
Translation
to begin, to start, to initiate
Examples
The meeting will commence at 10 a.m.
The meeting will commence at 10 a.m.
Work will commence on the new building soon.
Work will commence on the new building soon.
They commenced building the bridge in May.
They commenced building the bridge in May.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to start or begin The meeting will commence at 10 a.m.
to commence ((sth.)) to start (sth.) They will commence work on the new building soon.
to commence ((-ing)) to start doing (sth.) They commenced building the bridge in May.
Similar Words
Synonyms: begin, start, initiate; Antonyms: end, finish, conclude
Etymology
From Old French 'comencier', from Latin 'com-' (together) + 'initiare' (to begin).
Memory Tips
This is a more formal way to say 'start' or 'begin'. Imagine a formal ceremony 'commencing'.