commencement

[ kuh-mens-muhnt ]

noun

1. an act or instance of commencing; beginning:

   the commencement of hostilities.

2. the ceremony of conferring degrees or granting diplomas at the end of the academic year.
3. the day on which this ceremony takes place.

commencement

/ kəˈmɛnsmənt /

noun

1. the beginning; start
2. 1. a ceremony for the presentation of awards at secondary schools
   2. a ceremony for the conferment of academic degrees

Other Words From

• noncom·mencement noun
• recom·mencement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of commencement¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French; equivalent to commence + -ment

Example Sentences

Discussions – lengthy ones -- are already under way for the commencement of edition 10.

From BBC

How USC’s controversial decision on Asna Tabassum’s valedictorian speech led to nearly two weeks of campus tension with 93 arrests and a canceled ‘main stage’ commencement.

From Los Angeles Times

In particular, her decision to rescind pro-Palestinian valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s speaking slot in USC’s main commencement ceremony drew widespread outrage.

From Los Angeles Times

The turmoil escalated when Folt canceled the “main stage” commencement ceremony, depriving students and their families of a treasured ritual.

From Los Angeles Times

In May, the USC Academic Senate voted to censure her and Provost Andrew Guzman over their handling of events around commencement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• convocation
• dawning
• graduation
• initiation
• kickoff
• onset
• outset