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Definition start in British English

start noun

noun
/stɑː(r)t/

▪ bad, disastrous, good, inauspicious, promising, rocky, shaky, slow

1

the beginning of a period of time

Example

At the start of the final year, students do work experience.

Example

The revolutions of 1848 marked the start of a fascinating period in world history.

Example

This could be the start of a beautiful friendship.

Example

The operation takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

the beginning of a film, story, show etc

Example

Let's look at the start of the story in more detail.

Example

Hurry up or we'll miss the start.

Synonyms and related words
2

the way that someone begins a period of time or activity

Example

There's no better start to the day than a healthy breakfast.

Example

Hakkinen had a great start and was in second place by the first corner.

Example

Waddle has made an excellent start to his new career.

Synonyms and related words
3

the beginning of a journey

Example

After an early start, we were soon out of the city.

Synonyms and related words
4

the moment when a race begins

Example

The start has been brought forward by 30 minutes.

Synonyms and related words
4.1

the place where a race begins

Example

The runners were all gathered at the start.

Synonyms and related words
4.2

an occasion when a sports player takes part in a game at the beginning

Example

Liverpool gave Jamie Redknapp his first start of the season against Fulham.

Synonyms and related words
4.3

an advantage that you have in a race or competition, by beginning it in a better position than the other people

Example

The women runners are given a 50-metre start.

Synonyms and related words
5

a big change, or a new opportunity in your life

Example

She travelled to Hong Kong, hoping for a new start.

Example

The money she lent him would give him a fresh start.

Synonyms and related words
6

a sudden movement that you make because you are surprised or afraid

Example

She gave a nervous start as the door suddenly opened.

Example

A noise in the road gave us all a start.

Example

She woke with a start from her dream.

Synonyms and related words
Definition start in British English