begin

To do the first part of something, or for something to start happening.

• The lesson begins at nine.
• She began to laugh.
• When will you begin writing your report?

How to use it: begin doing something (She began learning French last year.); begin to do something (It began to rain.); begin with something (The meal begins with soup.)

Similar words: start, commence

Opposites: end, finish

Common phrases: begin work, begin a journey, begin again