Words / B2

k-uh-MENS/kəˈmens/

To commence is a stiff, official begin: the ceremony will commence at ten. Start and begin are what you say in class and in shops; commence belongs on notices, legal letters, and sports commentary. Patterns: commence at + time, commence + -ing. Commencement is rare in British English except in a few formal titles.

Meaning

To begin; a more formal word for start.

Examples

• “The ceremony will commence at ten.”
• “Boarding will commence at gate twelve.”
• “They commenced work on the roof in April.”

Good to know

Official/formal for start. commence at + time. Everyday: start / begin.

Near in meaning

begin

New