begin
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
How often you will meet it
Rank 851 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 21,530 times across 173,643 chapters — 0.010% of every word in the library.
It belongs to the first 1,000 words, the band worth learning before any other.
What it means
verb
- take the first step or steps in carrying out an action also: get down, get, start out, start, set about, set out We began working at dawnWho will start?
- have a beginning, in a temporal, spatial, or evaluative sense also: start The DMZ begins right over the hillThe second movement begins after the Allegro
- set in motion, cause to start also: lead off, start, commence The U.S. started a war in the Middle EastThe Iraqis began hostilities
- begin to speak or say `Now listen, friends', he began
- be the first item or point, constitute the beginning or start, come first in a series The number `one' begins the sequenceA terrible murder begins the novel
- have a beginning, of a temporal event WW II began in 1939 when Hitler marched into PolandThe company's Asia tour begins next month
begin in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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I can't begin to tell you how scared Kat was then!
The Dutch Twins · Lucy Fitch Perkins · Chapter 1
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Or chief clerk, like M. Desormeaux; but he would have to begin by being supernumerary.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
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They could quickly begin a business in which they might help each other and make some money.
Cornelli · Johanna Spyri · Chapter 1
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If it is possible, begin your second rehearsal on the stage where the play is to be given.
The White Christmas and other Merry · Walter Ben Hare · Chapter 1
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Tar-ry woo', tar-ry woo', Tar-ry woo' is ill to spin: Card it weel, card it weel, Card it weel ere you begin.
The Shadow of a Crime: A Cumbrian Romance · Hall, Sir Caine · Chapter 1