begin

5 definitions • 14 examples

to start to happen or exist:

What time does the concert begin?

The bridge was begun five years ago and the estimated cost has already doubled.

The film they want to watch begins at seven.

The meeting began promisingly, but then things started to go wrong.

to start to do something:

I began the book six months ago, but I can't seem to finish it.

[ + -ing verb ] Jane has just begun learning to drive.

If you want to learn to play a musical instrument, it might be a good idea to begin on something simple.

[ + to infinitive ] After waiting for half an hour she was beginning to get angry.

I have so much to tell you, I don't know where to begin.

to start speaking:

[ + speech ] "Well," he began. "I don't quite know how to tell you this."

to have something as the first part:

The word "cat" begins with the letter "c".

to do or be the first part of something that continues; start:

[ T ] He begins his new job on Monday.

[ I ] The movie begins at seven.

[ I ] I began by explaining why I had come.