verb
commence
kuh-MEHNS
verb
1
To begin or start (formal).
"The ceremony will commence at noon sharp."
"Construction on the new bridge commenced last spring."
How to Use Commence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA more formal way of saying "begin" or "start."
When to use it
Formal — used in official, legal, or ceremonial contexts more than in everyday speech, where "start" or "begin" is more natural.
Common pairings
commence proceedings
commence work
about to commence
Word Forms
commenced past tense, commences singular
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The ceremony will _____ at noon sharp.
Etymology
From Old French comencer, ultimately from Latin com- + initiare ("to initiate").