Laxi Dictionary

English Dictionary

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Definition begin in British English

begin verb

verb
/bɪˈɡɪn/
Example

She felt her life was just beginning.

Example

The ceremony is due to begin at noon.

Example

My troubles began the night I met Roger.

Example

It began as a practical joke.

Synonyms and related words
start begin arise
1.1

if an activity or process begins with something, that is the first thing that happens in it

Example

All meals begin with a short prayer.

Example

The competition began with one of the teams being disqualified.

Synonyms and related words
start begin arise
1.2

if a sentence, book etc begins with a particular letter, word etc, that is the first one in it

Example

We usually use 'an' before a word beginning with a vowel.

Synonyms and related words
start begin arise
1.3

if a place begins somewhere, that is the first point where you consider it to be

Example

The Lake District begins just north of Kendal.

Synonyms and related words
start begin arise
1.4

to start speaking

Example

'It isn't like that', he began, but Ben interrupted him.

Synonyms and related words
begin bring up continue
2

to start doing something

Example

He began shouting abuse at them.

Example

Suddenly the rain began to fall.

Example

The buds were just beginning to open.

Synonyms and related words
start on begin set about
2.1

to start feeling or thinking something

Example

Now we were beginning to feel excited.

Example

I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever find you!

Synonyms and related words
start on begin set about
2.2

to make an activity or process start or exist

Example

The police have already begun their investigation.

Example

Their truck began the steep descent to the village.

Example

I'd like to begin by thanking you all for coming.

Example

We began the meeting with a discussion about the budget.

Example

He began his working life as a waiter.

Synonyms and related words
catalyze bring about trigger
2.3

to give your attention to something for the first time

Example

I began the book with high hopes.

Synonyms and related words
strike out branch out pioneer
Definition begin in British English