began (A2)

verb

Pronunciation: /bɪˈɡæn/

Definition

Started or commenced an action or state.

Examples

• The meeting began promptly at 9 AM.

• She began to feel nervous as the presentation neared.

• The construction project began last spring and is still ongoing.

How to Use began

begin to + verb (prepositional phrase)

To start doing something. — "She began to understand the complex theory."

begin + gerund (prepositional phrase)

To start doing something. — "He began writing his novel in the summer."

Synonyms of began

Words with a similar meaning to began:

• started
• commenced
• initiated
• originated

Antonyms of began

Words with the opposite meaning to began:

• ended
• finished
• concluded

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