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.

Related Words

• begin
• inaugurate
• initiate
• launch
• take up