commence

[ kuh-mens ]

verb (used with or without object)

, com·menced, com·menc·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• comˈmencer, noun

Other Words From

• com·mence·a·ble adjective
• com·menc·er noun
• re·com·mence verb recommenced recommencing

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

However the letter stated that Waring's release date has been brought forward almost a year, from September 2027 to the week commencing 11 October 2026.

From BBC

Both were about to commence preparation for “The Day of the Jackal” and it felt fitting to connect in a space that requires such intense concentration.

From Los Angeles Times

"It would not be appropriate for us to comment further on this case ahead of the next scheduled hearing, which is for a four-day proof commencing on 13 May 2025," the statement added.

From BBC

"CPR was commenced until the arrival of ambulance staff but sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene."

From BBC

Officers in Scotland are prohibited by law from taking industrial action or withdrawing labour, but the decision means they will stop shifts at their scheduled time and not commence shifts early.

From BBC

Related Words

• begin
• inaugurate
• initiate
• launch
• take up