commencement

Definitions

1. noun

   The first existence of anything; act or fact of commencing; the beginning.

   Examples

   • The time of Henry VII nearly coincides with the commencement of what is termed modern history.
   • Yet from the commencement of mining there have been unnoble proprietors of mines, who belonged to the class of merchants.
   ≈rise≈origin≈beginning≈start≈dawn
2. noun

   The day when degrees are conferred by colleges and universities upon students and others.

3. noun

   A graduation ceremony, from a school, college or university. Sometimes before the actual graduation.