began

[bih-gan] / bɪˈgæn /

VERB

start

Synonyms

STRONGEST

commence create do establish found go ahead go into inaugurate initiate introduce launch lead make open prepare produce set up undertake

STRONG

activate actualize cause drive effect eventuate generate impel induce instigate institute motivate mount occasion originate trigger

WEAK

break ground break the ice bring about bring to pass embark on enter on enter upon get going give birth to give impulse lay foundation for make active plunge into set about set in motion

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cease close conclude destroy end fail finish halt ignore lose neglect ruin stop

STRONG

check discourage dissuade prevent repress

WEAK

complete consummate die

VERB

come into being; become functional

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appear come out commence emerge enter happen occur rise set start take off

STRONG

arise bud dawn emanate germinate originate sail spring sprout

WEAK

be born come forth come into existence crop up derive from get going get show on road get under way grow out of issue forth kick off make tick proceed from result from send off stem from

Antonyms

STRONGEST

complete disappear end finish hide leave stop

STRONG

die shrink

WEAK

conclude consummate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bush asked for authorization to go to war as soon as Congress convened, which began an extended and torturous debate.

From Salon

The “Wrap It Up” screen flashed during cuts to the audience almost as soon as winners began speaking, and some never got the chance to talk all.

From Salon

China's official trade data for January and February, before the war in Iran began, showed that the country's economy is largely buoyed by exports and international trade.

From Barron's

Sable said it began shipping oil soon after the directive was issued.

From The Wall Street Journal

JBS began canceling cattle shipments and halting slaughter at the plant last week in preparation for a potential work stoppage.

From The Wall Street Journal