C1verb formal 3K

Commence

UK //kəˈmɛns// US //kəˈmɛns// Pronunciation

Definition

To begin or start an action or process.

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In simple words: To start or begin something.

Examples

• The ceremony will commence at noon.
• We will commence the project next month.
• The course will commence after the orientation week.
• Please commence your presentation when you're ready.
• They decided to commence a new era of innovation.

Usage notes

Used in formal writing and speeches. It's less common in everyday conversation. Often used in legal and professional contexts.

Listen to usage notes

Grammar pattern

commence + object

Memory hint

Commence sounds like 'come, men's' - imagine a group of men coming together to start an event.

Collocations

• commence operations
• commence proceedings
• commence studies

Synonyms

• begin
• start
• initiate
• launch
• originate

Antonyms

• cease
• stop
• end

Common mistakes

• Used incorrectly in informal contexts where simpler 'start' would be better.
• Confused with 'committed' due to similar sounds.
• Often misspelled as 'comence'.