begin

Definition

To start, to initiate or take the first step into something.

Etymology

From Middle English beginnen, from Old English beginnan (“to begin”), from Proto-West Germanic *biginnan, from Proto-Germanic *biginnaną (“to begin”), from be- + base verb *ginnaną also found in Old English onginnan.

Example Sentences

• "I began playing the piano at the age of five."
• "Now that everyone is here, we should begin the presentation."
• "The program begins at 9 o’clock on the dot."