Begin

v. i. [imp. BEGAN; p. p. BEGUN; p. pr. & vb. n. BEGINNING.] [A-S. beginman, aginnan, anginnan, inginnan, onginman, ginnan, O. S. biginnan, O. H. Ger. biginnan, inginnan, pihinnan, Goth. du-ginnan, Sw. begynna, Dan. begynde, D. & Ger. beginnen. The original sense of ginnan is to cut, split. Cf. Fr. entamer, to make an incision in, to begin.] 1. To have an original or first existence; to take rise; to commence. “Tears began to flow.” Dryden.

From Nimrod first the savage race began. Pope. 2. To do the first act; to enter upon something new; to take the first step. “Begin every day to repent.” Bp. Taylor.

When I begin, I will also make an end. 1 Sam. iii. 12.

1Sense 1. To enter on; to commence.

Ye nymphs of Solyma, begin the song. Pope.

2Sense 2. To trace from as the first ground; to lay the foundation of.

The apostle begins our knowledge in the creatures, which leads us to the knowledge of God. Locke.

Synonyms— To commence; originate; enter upon; set about.