You know that feeling when you want to start something new—like a project, a trip, or even a simple task? Saying “begin” is great, but there are so many other fun and easy words that mean the same thing! Whether you want to sound more creative or just learn new ways to talk about starting, these words will help you a lot.
1. Start
Start means to do something for the first time or to begin an action. You can start a game, a trip, or even a new habit. "We will start the meeting at 9 AM." It's the most common and simple word to use when you want to say something is just beginning. When you start, you take the first step or make the first move toward doing something. It can be used for anything—from starting a car engine to starting a new day. Everyone uses this word every day because it fits almost any situation.
2. Commence
Commence is a little more formal but means exactly the same as start. It is often used in speeches or official talks. "The ceremony will commence shortly." You might hear this word in schools, weddings, or work events. It shows that something important or planned is about to begin. Commence gives a sense of ceremony or seriousness, like when a race begins or a class starts. If you want to sound polite or formal, commence is a great choice. But in casual talk, start is more common and easier to use.
3. Initiate
Initiate means to cause something to begin or to set something in motion. It's often used when starting a process or action that involves other steps. "She will initiate the project next week." It shows that you are the person who makes something start. Initiate is common in work or technical language, like starting a program or plan. It also means to bring new ideas or actions into life. When you initiate, you are the one who starts something important or new. It's a powerful and active word for beginning.
4. Launch
Launch means to start something with energy, often something big or exciting like a product or event. "They will launch the new app tomorrow." You can launch a rocket, a business, or even a book. It gives the feeling of setting something free or into action with a lot of excitement. Launch is often used in marketing and business to show that something new and important is starting. It sounds energetic and confident, like throwing a ball or shooting a firework. If you want to say something starts with a bang, launch is perfect.
5. Inaugurate
Inaugurate is a formal word used when officially starting something important, like a building, event, or leadership. "The president will inaugurate the new hospital." It often involves a ceremony or celebration. This word shows respect and importance in beginning. It's used in official speeches and news. When you inaugurate, you open something that will last for a long time. It's not used for everyday things but for big moments or official openings. Using inaugurate makes your sentence sound serious and special.
6. Open
Open means to begin by making something accessible or ready for use. You can open a door, a store, or a meeting. "They will open the new library next Monday." It means you make something available or start an event. Opening can also mean starting a conversation or a chance to do something new. It's a simple, easy word to show the start of many things. Whether you open a gift or open a show, this word tells people something is beginning right now.
7. Set in motion
Set in motion means to start something moving or working. It often describes starting a process or plan that keeps going. "The manager set the new rules in motion." It gives the idea of making something active or alive. This phrase is useful when talking about plans, machines, or ideas that start working. It shows that the beginning is part of a bigger process. When you set something in motion, you cause change or action to begin. It's a clear way to say you started something important.
8. Get going
Get going is a casual way to say start moving or begin doing something. It's friendly and easy to use with friends or family. "Let's get going before it gets dark." This phrase shows action and readiness. It means don't wait, begin now! People use it when they want to encourage others to start or keep moving. Whether you're leaving the house or beginning a project, get going is a fun and simple way to say "start." It's perfect for everyday talks and quick actions.
9. Kick off
Kick off is a fun and energetic way to say begin, often used for events, games, or meetings. "The soccer game will kick off at 3 PM." It comes from sports but works well for parties or programs too. When you kick off, you start something with energy and excitement. It's an informal phrase that makes starting sound lively and fun. If you want to talk about the first part of a big event, kick off is a great choice. It's a popular phrase for celebrations and gatherings.
10. Embark
Embark means to begin a journey or a big project. It often refers to starting something new and important. "She will embark on a world tour next month." It gives a sense of adventure and bravery. Embark is often used for travel but also for new jobs or experiences. When you embark, you are ready to face the unknown with courage. It's a thoughtful word for new beginnings that are exciting and full of hope. Using embark makes your story sound adventurous and meaningful.
11. Set about
Set about means to start doing something, especially a task or job. "He set about cleaning the house early in the morning." It shows you are focused and ready to work. This phrase is good for everyday activities and simple tasks. When you set about something, you start it with a clear goal in mind. It's a casual way to say you began working on a project or plan. People use it when they want to show determination and action in starting a task. It's practical and easy to understand.
12. Enter upon
Enter upon means to begin something new, often something serious or important. "She entered upon her duties as manager with confidence." It sounds a bit formal and is used in writing or speeches. This phrase shows respect for the new job, role, or time in life. When you enter upon something, you start it fully and carefully. It's not just a small start but a real beginning. People use this phrase when talking about big changes or important moments. It adds a thoughtful tone to starting something.
13. Begin with
Begin with means to start from a certain point or idea. "Let's begin with the basics before moving on." It helps organize steps or ideas in order. This phrase is common in teaching, writing, and speeches. When you begin with something, you focus first on that thing before doing anything else. It's a helpful way to show where to start in a process. Begin with helps make plans clear and easy to follow. It shows the starting point and makes learning or working simpler.
14. Take up
Take up means to begin a new hobby, job, or interest. "He took up painting last year and loves it." It shows you start something new and continue with it. This phrase is often used for activities or habits. When you take up something, you make it part of your life. It can be a sport, a class, or a task. People say take up to show interest and commitment in a new beginning. It's a friendly and easy phrase for talking about starting new things.
15. Get underway
Get underway means to begin moving or starting an event or process. "The trip got underway early in the morning." It sounds a bit formal but is also common in everyday talk. This phrase shows that something is now active and going on. It's used for travel, projects, or meetings. When something gets underway, it means it is no longer waiting—it has started. People use this phrase to show progress and action. It's a clear way to say the beginning has happened.
16. Originate
Originate means to come from or begin at a certain place or time. "The idea originated in ancient Greece." It's used when talking about where something started or began. This word is common in history, science, and stories. When something originates, it has a clear starting point or source. It's a thoughtful word for explaining beginnings or causes. Originate helps us understand how things start and develop over time. It's a useful word for showing the origin of ideas, places, or events.
17. Start off
Start off means to begin in a particular way or with a certain action. "She started off her speech with a joke." It shows how something begins and can set the mood or tone. This phrase is common in daily talk and writing. When you start off, you make the first move or action in a process. It helps explain the first step or moment. People use start off to describe the way something begins, whether it's a day, event, or conversation. It's simple and easy to say.
18. Spring
Spring means to start suddenly or quickly, like a surprise. "The idea sprang from a sudden thought." It's often used for things that begin with energy or excitement. Spring shows quick or unexpected beginnings. It can be used in stories or real life. When something springs up, it appears or starts fast. This word gives a feeling of freshness and surprise. People use spring to describe lively or natural starts. It's a fun and vivid way to say begin.
19. Arise
Arise means to begin or come up, often with a problem or idea. "A new problem arose during the meeting." It shows that something has started to happen or exist. Arise is used for things that appear or become clear. It sounds a bit formal and is common in writing or speaking. When something arises, it needs attention or action. It's a useful word for talking about new situations or chances. Arise helps explain when something starts to show or grow.
20. Come about
Come about means to happen or begin, often by chance. "The change came about because of new rules." It shows how something starts or develops. This phrase is casual and easy to use in talk or writing. When things come about, they don't always happen on purpose but still start. It's a great way to explain changes or beginnings that are natural or unexpected. People use come about to tell stories about how events start or change. It's friendly and clear.
21. Break ground
Break ground means to begin building or starting a new project, especially construction. "They broke ground on the new school last week." It's often used in construction or big projects. This phrase shows the very first step in creating something new. When you break ground, you officially start work. It's a strong and clear way to say the beginning of a big and important task. People use this phrase to celebrate or mark new starts. It sounds exciting and important.
Final Thoughts
Knowing different ways to say "begin" helps you sound more natural and interesting. Whether you want to be formal, casual, or fun, there's a perfect word for every situation. These synonyms show that starting something new can be exciting and meaningful. Use them to make your writing and speaking more colorful. The more words you know, the easier it is to express yourself in fresh ways. Try these words next time you want to talk about beginning something new and watch your conversations come alive!