Begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable Begin, opposed to end, is the most general Start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages. When do you start your course / your new job We'll be starting (the session) at six o'clock Can you start (= begin a new job) on monday
[ + to infinitive ] i'd just started to write a letter when the phone rang. To appear or come suddenly into action, life, view, etc. Rise or issue suddenly forth To spring, move, or dart suddenly from a position or place The rabbit started from the bush To be among the entrants in a race or the initial participants in a game or contest.
I didn’t start worrying/ to worry until she was 2 hours late She started work in the mill when she was just 14 years old When we started this project, we didn't know what to expect. A place where, or a time when, a beginning is made, as in a race Starting point ahead from the start To begin or set out, as on a journey or activity
As a verb, start means to begin an activity or event Some people turn to the last page of a book before they even start it, so they'll be prepared for the ending Start can also mean to move suddenly in surprise or alarm, or to startle. • he looked very well and was full of talk of making his way in the world and starting a business some day • they reached their goal by starting a business that had no income ceiling, no alleys or dead ends. Starting (plural startings) the act of something that starts
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