verb

commence

to commence, to begin, to start

The meeting will commence at 10 AM.

The meeting will commence at 10 AM.

They will commence building the new bridge soon.

They will commence building the new bridge soon.

((no object)) to begin The meeting will commence at 10 AM.

((sth. / -ing)) to begin (sth. / doing sth.) They will commence building the new bridge soon.

Synonyms: begin, start, initiate; Antonyms: end, finish, conclude

From Old French 'comencier', from Latin 'com-' (intensive prefix) + 'initiare' (to begin). Related to 'initiate'.

A formal way to say 'begin' or 'start'. Think of a graduation 'commencement' ceremony, which marks the *beginning* of a new phase.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.