Words / C1

ONS-et/ˈɒnset/

Onset is the beginning, especially of something unwelcome: the onset of winter, onset of symptoms. Start and beginning are everyday; outset (this batch) is the start of a project or period (from the outset). Do not write onset for the opening of a party.

Meaning

The beginning of something, especially something unpleasant.

Examples

• “The onset of the outage was 02:11, not “sometime overnight”.”
• “The onset of the outage was 02:11, logged, not “sometime overnight”.”
• “Outset is “from the start we agreed”; onset is when trouble or a condition begins. Beginning is everyday. A festival opening is not an onset.”

Good to know

The start, often of illness, weather, or trouble. Everyday: start. Contrast: outset (start of a venture: at/from the outset). Not a party opening.

Near in meaning

start

New