Meaning & use

beginning

noun·Everyday

The point in time or space at which something starts.

See it in a sentence

The beginning of the novel introduces all the main characters.

We arrived at the beginning of the ceremony, just as the doors opened.

A note on using this word

Beginning is neutral and common; outset and onset are more formal and typical of written English.

Words with a similar meaning

startoutsetonset

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. adjective

Just starting to learn or practice something; at an early, inexperienced stage.

The beginning skier stuck to the easiest trails on the mountain.

Make it your own

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