commencing

American  

[kuh-men-sing] / kəˈmɛn sɪŋ /

noun

1. the act, fact, or time of starting or beginning.

   From the commencing of his career as a painter, his prime concerns have been people's pain and longing and the beauty of nature.

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adjective

1. starting; beginning.

   She became a Junior Assistant in the local public library at a commencing salary of $45 a week—not bad for those days.

Etymology

Origin of commencing

First recorded in 1580–90; commenc(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun; commenc(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

But it is unlikely, as it strategised ahead of commencing the attacks on Iran, that the US fully foresaw some of these economic consequences.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

"This project will take significant time and investment. However, we are now commencing this important work," the spokeswoman added.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Also, it’s commencing a structurally stronger earnings cycle, with margin expansion expected to be aided by drivers including higher contribution from complex and differentiated formulations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Chief Executive James Litinsky said MP has key agreements with the Pentagon commencing in the current quarter, which is improving the company’s visibility into cash flow as it speeds up magnet production in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

Thus commencing a cycle that can only culminate in further anger and distress.

From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

Related Words

• arising
• beginning
• starting
• stemming