commence
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /kəˈmɛns/
KK: /kəˈmɛns/
intransitive verb
Definition
To start or begin something.
Example
The ceremony will commence at noon.
Tense Forms
Past: commenced
Past Participle: commenced
Conversation
Are you ready to commence the project this weekend?
Definitely, I’ve been looking forward to it!
Great! Let’s meet at my place to get started.
Sounds perfect — I can’t wait to dive in!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
begin
start
initiate
Antonyms
cease
end
finish
transitive verb
Definition
To start or begin something.
Example
The ceremony will commence at noon.
Tense Forms
Past: commenced
Past Participle: commenced
Conversation
Are you ready to commence the project we talked about?
Yeah, I’ve been looking forward to it all week!
Great! Let’s find a good time to commence this weekend.
Root Explanation
Commence is formed from "com-" (meaning together) and "initiare" (meaning to begin). The word describes the act of beginning something together or starting an event.
Memory Tip
Think of starting something 'together' ('com-') — that's why 'commence' means to begin.
Visually Confused Words
recommence
uncommenced
recommencer
coimmense
comenic
cogence