Dictionary definitions
- Enter a word for the dictionary definition.
begin
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Begin \Be*gin"\, n. Beginning. [Poetic & Obs.] --Spenser. [1913 Webster] .
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Begin \Be*gin"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Began, Begun; p. pr. & vb. n. Beginning.] [AS. beginnan (akin to OS. biginnan, D. & G. beginnen, OHG. biginnan, Goth., du-ginnan, Sw. begynna, Dan. begynde); pref. be- + an assumed ginnan. [root]31. See Gin to begin.] 1. To have or commence an independent or first existence; to take rise; to commence. [1913 Webster] Vast chain of being! which from God began. --Pope. [1913 Webster] 2. To do the first act or the first part of an action; to enter upon or commence something new, as a new form or state of being, or course of action; to take the first step; to start. "Tears began to flow." --Dryden. [1913 Webster] When I begin, I will also make an end. --1 Sam. iii. 12. [1913 Webster] .
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Begin \Be*gin"\, v. t.
1. To enter on; to commence.
[1913 Webster]
Ye nymphs of Solyma ! begin the song. --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
2. To trace or lay the foundation of; to make or place a
beginning of.
[1913 Webster]
The apostle begins our knowledge in the creatures,
which leads us to the knowledge of God. --Locke.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: To commence; originate; set about; start.
[1913 Webster]
