Cool MateStart
UK /["/stɑːt/","/stɑːts/","/ˈstɑːtɪd/","/ˈstɑːtɪŋ/"]/US /["/stɑːrt/","/stɑːrts/","/ˈstɑːrtɪd/","/ˈstɑːrtɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to begin doing or using something
In simple words: To begin something
Examples
- Please start the engine before we leave.
- I will start the meeting at 3 PM.
- You need to start your homework early.
- They plan to start a new project next month.
- He wants to start his own business someday.
- The race will start at dawn.
- I always feel nervous before I start performing.
- She will start taking piano lessons next week.
- To start, you need to gather all the materials.
- Make sure to start with the easy questions.
Usage notes
Use 'start' for beginning actions or events. It's appropriate in both speaking and writing, but in formal contexts, you might use 'initiate' instead.
Grammar pattern
start + object
Memory hint
Think of the word 'start' as the 'starting line' in a race.
Collocations
- suddenly
- immediately
- just
- decide to
- expect to
- hope to
- as
- by
- from
- get (somebody/something) started
- a good, great, etc. place to start
- let’s start
- suddenly
- immediately
- just
- decide to
- expect to
- hope to
- as
- by
- from
- get (somebody/something) started
- a good, great, etc. place to start
- let’s start
Synonyms
- set off, set out
- jump
Antonyms
- stop
- finish
- end
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'begin' — both mean similar things but are used in slightly different contexts.
- Used as a noun incorrectly — 'start' is mainly a verb.
- Misplaced in phrasal verbs — it should not be confused with 'start up' in business contexts.