French word

commencer

Pronunciation

IPA/komɑ̃se/

Meaning

  • verbstart

Example

Je commence le cours.

I start the course.

Illustration for commencer (start)

More examples

Nous commençons par une rapide présentation.

We start with a brief presentation.

Core concept

The first movement of an activity, event, or process appears as it leaves its starting point and gets underway.

Common phrases

  • commencer à travailler

    start working

  • commencer par une présentation

    start with a presentation

  • commencer le projet

    start the project

Similar words

débuter: Begin an activity or event.
se mettre à: Start carrying out a particular action.
entamer: Open a discussion of a topic or begin a task.
lancer: Launch a project or business and put it into action.

Definition in French

Entrer dans l'action ou amorcer le début d'un événement, d'une activité ou d'un processus.

Word origin

The French verb developed from Old French commencier and ultimately from a Vulgar Latin form related to Latin initiare, to begin.

Usage tips

  • Commencer par introduces the first step or activity in a sequence, as in commencer par lire les instructions.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word