beginning

Definitions

1. noun

   The start of something.

   Examples

   • The beginning of the project was slow but steady.
   • They marked the beginning of the new year with a party.
   ≈commencing≈start≈starting≈genesis
2. noun

   A small first step toward something bigger.

   Examples

   • Every great empire starts from small beginnings.
   • The plan was still just a beginning, far from finished.
   ≈element≈embryo≈rudiment
3. noun

   The source or first cause of something.

   Examples

   • He is the beginning of the whole story.
   • This idea was the beginning of everything that followed.
   ≈origin≈source≈start≈commencement
4. noun

   The first part of something.

   Examples

   • The book tells of her youth at the beginning of the story.
   • That house is at the beginning of the street.
   ≈head≈start
5. verb

   The form of the verb begin that ends in -ing.

   Examples

   • It is beginning to rain.
   • The show is beginning in five minutes.
6. adjective

   First in a series or in a piece of writing.

   Examples

   • Read the beginning paragraph of the chapter.
   • The beginning section of the course is easy.
   ≈first≈initial