start

start — verb

1. to do the first part of an activity, piece of work, or process.

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveA1
Definition

to do the first part of an activity, piece of work, or process.

Example

Meera started learning French last year and can already hold a simple conversation.

start + -ing form for beginning a new skill

The children started to cry when the door slammed shut behind them.

start + to-infinitive for reaction

Common collocations
  • start work
  • start a conversation
  • start a project
  • start studying
  • start to rain
Synonyms
  • begin

    neutral and interchangeable, though 'begin' feels slightly more formal in writing

  • commence

    formal register, used in official or ceremonial contexts

  • embark on

    suggests starting a significant or lengthy project or journey

Antonyms
  • stop

    the most direct opposite — to cease doing something

  • finish

    focuses on completing rather than simply stopping

  • quit

    informal; to stop permanently, often with some reluctance or failure implied

Grammar Patterns

start + to-infinitive

start + -ing form

start + noun phrase

Usage Note

This sense takes both to-infinitive and -ing complements with no practical difference. American English slightly prefers the -ing form for ongoing activities.

Common Mistakes

I started to studied Spanish last month.
I started to study Spanish last month.' or 'I started studying Spanish last month.
after 'start', use either the bare to-infinitive or the -ing form, never a past-tense verb.
She is starting understanding the lesson.
She is starting to understand the lesson.
when 'start' is in a continuous tense, always use the to-infinitive.

2. When a company, organization, or institution is created and begins to operate, i

2.verbtransitive / intransitiveA2
Definition

When a company, organization, or institution is created and begins to operate, it starts; when someone creates one, they start it.

Example

Dewi started her own bakery after saving money for three years.

start + own [type of business]

Local volunteers started the community center to give young people a safe place to meet after school.

active: [founder] started [organization]

Common collocations
  • start a business
  • start a company
  • start an organization
  • start a club
  • start a school
Synonyms
  • found

    more formal, often used for institutions, schools, or charities

  • establish

    formal; emphasizes creating something intended to last

  • set up

    informal; interchangeable with 'start' for businesses

  • launch

    suggests a public or official beginning, often with promotion

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

start + noun (business / company / organization)

be started by + noun phrase (passive)

Usage Note

The object is always an organization or institution. Frequently used with 'own' (start her own company). Common in passive voice when the founder is the focus.

Common Mistakes

I started a car company last week.' (without context)
I started a car-wash business last month.
'start a business' needs context about what kind of business. Use a specific type rather than a vague product.

3. When an event, process, or natural phenomenon begins to take place; or when some

3.verbtransitive / intransitiveA1
Definition

When an event, process, or natural phenomenon begins to take place; or when someone causes it to begin.

Example

A light rain started falling just as Joaquín reached the bus stop.

start + -ing form for weather phenomenon

The construction on the new school started in March and will finish by September.

intransitive: event + start + time

Common collocations
  • start a fight
  • start a fire
  • start a war
  • start raining
  • start a conversation
Synonyms
  • begin

    neutral, interchangeable in most contexts

  • break out

    used for sudden events like wars, fires, or diseases

  • arise

    formal; used for situations, problems, or questions appearing

Antonyms
  • end

    the natural opposite — when something ceases

  • stop

    neutral opposite; to no longer happen

Grammar Patterns

event + start

start + noun (event / process)

start + -ing form (of weather)

Usage Note

The subject is typically a process, event, or natural phenomenon (fire, rain, war, argument, construction). When transitive, the subject causes the event: 'His careless words started a quarrel.'

Common Mistakes

The meeting started by 9 AM.' (when meaning it began at 9 AM)
The meeting started at 9 AM.
use 'at' for a specific time, 'by' suggests 'before or at'.

4. to begin a sequence of activities, a meal, a meeting, or a career by first doing

4.verbtransitiveA2
Definition

to begin a sequence of activities, a meal, a meeting, or a career by first doing or using a particular thing or person.

Example

Élise started the meeting with a summary of the sales figures for last quarter.

start + noun + with + noun

We should start the tour by visiting the old town, then head to the harbor later.

start + noun + by + -ing form

Common collocations
  • start with
  • start by
  • start as
  • start off with
Synonyms
Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

start + with + noun phrase

start + by + -ing form

start + noun phrase + with + noun phrase

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 1 by the presence of a specific starting element: this sense always names what comes first. The pattern 'start + with + something' is the most common. Also used for careers: 'She started as a secretary and became a manager.'

Common Mistakes

Let's start the meeting with to review last week.
Let's start the meeting by reviewing last week.
'start with' takes a noun, not a verb. Use 'start by + -ing' with a verb.

5. to begin complaining, criticizing, or behaving in an annoying way, often about s

5.verbintransitiveB1
Definition

to begin complaining, criticizing, or behaving in an annoying way, often about something minor or repeated.

Example

Don't start — I already said I would clean my room after breakfast.

imperative: 'Don't start!' to stop complaints

Asher started again about how noisy the neighbors were every weekend.

start again + about + topic

Common collocations
  • Don't start!
  • start on about
  • start again
  • here we go / don't start
Synonyms
  • go on about

    informal, British; to complain at length

  • whinge

    informal, British; to complain in an annoying way

Grammar Patterns

start + -ing form (complaining / on about)

Don't start! (imperative)

Usage Note

Almost always used in informal spoken English. The imperative 'Don't start!' is a fixed expression meaning 'Stop complaining before you get going.' The subject is always a person. Not used with a direct object.

Common Mistakes

Don't start to complain about the food.' (overly formal for this sense)
Don't start on the food again.
the informal sense uses 'start on' or 'start about', not 'start to-infinitive'.

6. When a planned event such as a show, film, class, or meeting begins at a particu

6.verbintransitiveA1
Definition

When a planned event such as a show, film, class, or meeting begins at a particular time.

Example

The concert starts at eight o'clock, so we should leave the house by seven.

event + start + at + time

Brandon's favorite TV show starts in ten minutes, so he quickly turned on the television.

event + start + in + time duration

Common collocations
  • start at (time)
  • start on (date)
  • start in (duration)
  • show starts
  • class starts
Synonyms
  • begin

    neutral, interchangeable for scheduled events

  • commence

    formal; used for ceremonies or official events

Antonyms
  • end

    the scheduled finishing time of an event

  • finish

    the conclusion of an activity

Grammar Patterns

event + start + at/around + time

event + start + in + duration

Usage Note

Always intransitive — no direct object. The subject is a scheduled event, not a person. Distinguish from sense 3 (BEGIN HAPPENING) by the planning element: sense 6 events have a fixed start time (shows, classes, meetings), while sense 3 events begin spontaneously (rain, fire, arguments).

Common Mistakes

The game is starting at 7 PM Tuesday.
The game starts at 7 PM on Tuesday.
for scheduled future events, use the simple present tense ('starts at'), not the present continuous ('is starting at').

7. to give birth to or become the parent of your first child, an event often descri

7.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2
Definition

to give birth to or become the parent of your first child, an event often described as starting a family

Example

Kwame and Shirin started a family soon after their wedding.

collocation: start a family

After years focused on their careers, Imani and Tomás decided to start a family.

Common collocations
  • start a family

Grammar Patterns

start + a family

Usage Note

Almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'start a family' rather than with a direct object naming the child.

8. to change your habits, location, or lifestyle in a significant way, especially a

8.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to change your habits, location, or lifestyle in a significant way, especially after a difficult period or a failure

Example

After the divorce, Élise moved to a small town in the south to start afresh.

pattern: start afresh / start over

Talia decided to start a new life by leaving her job and becoming a nurse.

Common collocations
  • start fresh
  • start anew
  • start over
  • start again
  • start a new life
Synonyms
  • begin again

    similar meaning but more neutral; 'start fresh' implies leaving problems behind

  • turn over a new leaf

    more informal and idiom-like, emphasizes personal reform

Grammar Patterns

start + fresh / anew / again

start + [prepositional phrase]

Usage Note

Often paired with adverbs such as 'again', 'fresh', or 'anew' to reinforce the idea of a clean break from the past.

Common Mistakes

He started fresh his career.
He started his career fresh.
'fresh' is an adverb here and comes after the object, or the pattern 'start fresh' is used without an object.

9. to deliberately cause a disagreement, conflict, or physical fight to happen

9.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to deliberately cause a disagreement, conflict, or physical fight to happen

Example

Sari accused Darius of starting the argument over nothing.

pattern: start + an argument / a fight

The drunk customer tried to start a fight with the bartender.

Common collocations
  • start a fight
  • start an argument
  • start trouble
  • start a quarrel
Synonyms
  • provoke

    more formal; emphasizes the deliberate incitement

  • instigate

    formal tone; often used in legal contexts

  • pick a fight

    informal phrasal verb with the same meaning

Antonyms
  • avoid

    to stay away from conflict

Grammar Patterns

start + a fight / an argument / trouble

Usage Note

Common in spoken English when assigning blame, especially with children ('Who started it?'). The object is typically a negative interaction — not used for friendly disagreements.

Common Mistakes

He started a conversation with me about the weather.' (neutral, not a conflict).
He started a fight with me over the parking space.
'start' in this sense requires a negative outcome such as a fight, argument, or trouble.

10. to take up a job or position with an employer, usually for the first time in tha

10.verbtransitive / intransitiveB1
Definition

to take up a job or position with an employer, usually for the first time in that role

Example

Lauren started her new job at the children's hospital last Monday.

pattern: start + [possessive] + new job

Esme started as an intern at the firm and became a partner eight years later.

Common collocations
  • start a job
  • start work
  • start as
  • start at
  • start with the company
Synonyms
  • begin

    more general; 'start' is more common for employment

  • join

    used when a person becomes a member of a company or team

Antonyms
  • leave

    to end employment with a company

  • quit

    informal, to resign voluntarily

Grammar Patterns

start + [job title / company]

start as + [position]

start at + [company]

Usage Note

Often followed by a role ('start as a trainee'), a company name ('start at Google'), or a possessive ('start my new job').

Common Mistakes

I started to work last week at the company.' (grammatically correct but less natural).
I started my new job last week.
'start a job' is the most natural collocation when beginning employment.

11. used when introducing the first item in a series, the primary justification for

11.verbintransitiveB1
Definition

used when introducing the first item in a series, the primary justification for a claim, or the situation at an earlier moment in time

Example

To start with, I would like to thank everyone who helped with the project.

discourse marker: 'to start with' opening a speech

The hotel was too expensive to start with, and the location was also poor.

Common collocations
  • to start with
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

to start with

Usage Note

Appears as the fixed phrase 'to start with' used as a discourse marker at the beginning or embedded in a sentence. Do not confuse with sense 4 ('start with' meaning to begin an activity using a particular thing or person).

Common Mistakes

Start with, I want to say thank you.
To start with, I want to say thank you.
'to start with' requires the infinitive 'to' when used as a discourse marker.

12. to have a particular starting point in terms of price, distance, time, or size,

12.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to have a particular starting point in terms of price, distance, time, or size, and then extend onward to a further point

Example

Apartment prices in this district start at around six million New Taiwan dollars.

pattern: start at + [price]

The parade starts at the main train station and finishes in the city square.

Common collocations
  • start at
  • start from
  • start at ... and go up to
Synonyms
  • begin

    more general; 'start' is preferred for prices and ranges

  • range from

    specifically for describing a span between two points

Grammar Patterns

start + at + [price / number]

start + from + [place / amount]

start + at + [place] + and + [go / end / finish]

Usage Note

Commonly takes 'at' for a specific price or number, and 'from' for a location. The end point is often introduced by 'and (go / end / finish) up to …'.

Common Mistakes

The tickets start ¥500.
The tickets start at ¥500.
'start at' requires the preposition 'at' before a price or number.

13. to make a sudden, quick movement of your body when something unexpected or frigh

13.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to make a sudden, quick movement of your body when something unexpected or frightening catches your attention

Example

When a bird flew into the window, Linh started and let out a small cry.

intransitive: start + and + [reaction]

Marta started at the sound of footsteps behind her in the dark alley.

collocation: start at [sudden sound]

Common collocations
  • start at [sound/touch]
  • start violently
  • start suddenly
Synonyms
  • jump

    more common and slightly less formal than 'start' in this sense

  • flinch

    a smaller, more controlled movement, often in anticipation of pain

  • wince

    an expression of pain or discomfort in the face rather than a full body movement

Grammar Patterns

start + at + [cause]

start + when + [event]

Usage Note

Frequently used with 'at' to name the cause of the surprise, or with 'when' to describe the event that triggered the reaction.

Common Mistakes

I started when I heard the good news.
I jumped for joy when I heard the good news.
'start' in this sense is almost always for sudden, surprising or frightening events, not for positive surprises.

14. when an engine, machine, or vehicle begins to run; or to make it begin to run

14.verbtransitive / intransitiveB1
Definition

when an engine, machine, or vehicle begins to run; or to make it begin to run

Example

Salma turned the key and the old car started on the first try.

intransitive: [vehicle] + starts

Could you please start the engine while I check the directions?

transitive: start + [machine/engine]

Common collocations
  • start the engine
  • start the car
  • start the generator
  • won't start
Synonyms
  • turn on

    used mainly for electrical and electronic devices

  • fire up

    informal, used for engines or enthusiasm

  • get going

    informal, works for both vehicles and tasks

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

start + [vehicle/engine/machine]

[vehicle/engine/machine] + starts

Usage Note

For computing devices, 'turn on' or 'boot up' is more natural than 'start', though 'start up' works. 'Start' by itself is most typical for engines, motors, and vehicles.

Common Mistakes

I started the computer and checked my email.
I turned on the computer and checked my email.
For electronic devices like computers and phones, 'turn on' or 'boot up' sound more natural than 'start'.

15. to be chosen as one of the players who begins a game or sports event; or to put

15.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2
Definition

to be chosen as one of the players who begins a game or sports event; or to put a player into the game at the start

Example

Amihan started every match for the university volleyball team last season.

intransitive: [player] starts + [game]

The coach decided to start two new defenders in the championship final.

transitive: coach starts + [player]

Common collocations
  • start the match
  • start at quarterback
  • start as a forward
Synonyms
Antonyms
  • bench

    to keep a player out of the starting lineup

Grammar Patterns

[player] + starts + [game/match]

start + as + [position]

start + at + [position]

Usage Note

Used primarily in team sports such as basketball, football, and baseball. When transitive, the coach or manager is the subject and the athlete is the object.

Common Mistakes

I started in the game last night.
I started the game last night.
In sports contexts, 'start' is used with the game as a direct object ('start the match'), not 'start in the game'.
Phrasal verbs

start back

phrasal verb

To begin returning to a place.

We started back home before the storm hit.

After the hike, they started back to the car.

start off

phrasal verb

To begin something, especially a journey or activity.

The race will start off at noon sharp.

Let's start off with a simple warm-up exercise.

start on

phrasal verb

To begin dealing with or working on something.

I'll start on the report after lunch.

Maya started on her painting early this morning.

start on about

phrasal verb

To begin talking about something, often in a complaining way.

Don't start on about the weather again.

He started on about his noisy neighbors.

start on at

phrasal verb

To begin criticizing or nagging someone repeatedly.

My mom started on at me to clean my room.

The coach started on at the players for being late.

start out

phrasal verb

To begin a journey, career, or activity.

They started out early to avoid traffic.

Sara started out as a junior reporter.

start over

phrasal verb

To begin again from the beginning.

If you make a mistake, you can start over.

After the fire, they had to start over completely.

start up

phrasal verb

To begin operating, especially a machine or business.

He started up his car and drove away.

They plan to start up a new restaurant next month.

Idioms

don’t start | don't you start

idiom

Used to tell someone not to complain or criticize.

Don't start, Mom. I already said I was sorry.

Don't you start with me about the dishes again.

get/set/start/keep the ball rolling

idiom

To make something begin or continue without stopping.

Maya asked a question to get the ball rolling.

Let's keep the ball rolling by sharing our ideas.

get started

idiom

To begin doing something.

It's already late, so let's get started.

Sara got started on her homework right after dinner.

start something

idiom

To cause trouble or a conflict.

Don't start something you can't finish.

Brian started something by spreading that rumor.

to start with

idiom

Used to introduce the first and most important reason for something.

To start with, the price is too high for us.

The team had only five members to start with.

you, he, she, etc. started it

idiom

Used to blame someone for beginning a fight or argument.

Stop fighting! He started it by pushing me.

She started it when she called me a liar.

start — noun

start — abbreviation

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All five words relate to the start of an action or process, but they differ in formality, scope, and typical use. 'Start' and 'begin' are the most common and are interchangeable in everyday contexts: starting a conversation, beginning a meal. 'Commence' is markedly formal, reserved for ceremonies, official events, or legal proceedings (e.g., 'the trial will commence at 10 a.m.'). 'Initiate' implies taking the first step in a process that others will carry forward — used in formal or technical contexts like scientific research or policy (e.g., 'the government initiated a review of the rules'). 'Launch' suggests a public, often promotional beginning, especially for products, campaigns, or initiatives (e.g., 'the company launched a new app'). 'Embark on' is used for significant, lengthy undertakings such as a career, journey, or major project (e.g., 'she embarked on a teaching career'). In casual speech, 'start' is almost always the best choice; the others add a layer of formality or specificity that may sound unnatural in simple everyday statements.

begin ↗commence ↗initiate ↗launch ↗embark on ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishProto-West GermanicEnglish

The word 'start' comes from Old English 'styrtan', meaning 'to leap up, spring up, or jump'. This original sense of a sudden movement survives in verb sense 13 (jump in surprise) and noun sense 8 (sudden jump). It is related to Old High German 'sturzen' (to plunge, overturn). In the 16th century, 'start' took on the meaning 'to set out on a journey or course of action', which gradually broadened into the general sense of 'begin' that is now the most common use. The noun meaning 'the beginning of something' followed in the 17th–18th centuries.