A1noun1K

Beginning

UK /["/bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/"]/US /["/bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/"]/

Definition

the time when something starts; the first part of an event, a story, etc.

In simple words: the start of something

Examples

  • The beginning of the story is very interesting.
  • In the beginning, there was a lot of confusion.
  • Every beginning has its challenges.
  • She is at the beginning of her career as an artist.
  • At the beginning of spring, the flowers start to bloom.

Usage notes

Use 'beginning' to refer to the start of an event, process, or time period. It is appropriate in both writing and speaking, but can be too vague without context. Avoid using it in very formal contexts where more specific words are preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'begin' as the first step in a race, with 'ning' as a little finish line.

Collocations

  • new
  • auspicious
  • hopeful
  • herald
  • mark
  • represent
  • at the beginning (of something)
  • from the beginning
  • in the beginning
  • the beginning of the end
  • early beginnings
  • first beginnings
  • new
  • auspicious
  • hopeful
  • herald
  • mark
  • represent
  • at the beginning (of something)
  • from the beginning
  • in the beginning
  • the beginning of the end
  • early beginnings
  • first beginnings

Synonyms

  • start
  • commencement
  • inception
  • initiation
  • launch

Antonyms

  • end
  • finish
  • close

Common mistakes

  • Used as a verb instead of a noun (e.g. saying 'he is beginning to learn' instead of 'he is in the beginning stages of learning')
  • Confusing with 'began' (past tense) and 'begin' (present)
  • Omitting the article when necessary (e.g. saying 'beginning of the movie' instead of 'the beginning of the movie')