commence

[kuh-mens]

verb (used with or without object)

commenced, commencing 

1. to begin; start.

   Synonyms: originate, initiate, inaugurate

commence

/ kəˈmɛns /

verb

1. to start or begin; come or cause to come into being, operation, etc

Other Word Forms

• commenceable adjective
• commencer noun
• recommence verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of commence¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English commencen, from Anglo-French, Middle French comencer, from unrecorded Vulgar Latin cominitiāre, equivalent to Latin com- com- + initiāre “to begin”; initiate

Word History and Origins

Origin of commence¹

C14: from Old French comencer, from Vulgar Latin cominitiāre (unattested), from Latin com- (intensive) + initiāre to begin, from initium a beginning

Synonym Study

See begin.

Example Sentences

Barristers told the judge they anticipated the trial of the former paratrooper, known as Soldier F, would commence on Monday, 15 September.

From BBC

The NBA said in a statement to The Times that “we are aware of this morning’s media report regarding the LA Clippers and are commencing an investigation.”

From Los Angeles Times

The final three rounds of matches commence next week.

From BBC

“NO ONE is above the law … @FBI agents on mission,” FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X as the raid commenced.

From Salon

The winner of the auction ultimately wasn’t able to come up with the promised purchase price and negotiations commenced with other bidders.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• begin 
• inaugurate 
• initiate 
• launch 
• take up