Commence Meaning in English

word

US

/kəˈmɛns/

kuh-MENS

UK

/kəmˈɛns/

kuh-MENS

Definition

To begin or start something, especially in a formal context.

Usage & Nuances

'Commence' is formal and often used in official, legal, or ceremonial communications. In everyday speech, 'start' or 'begin' are more common. Typical with nouns (commence operations, commence work). Often seen in instructions, contracts, ceremonies ('The event will commence at...').

• Spanish: comenzar - iniciar
• Portuguese (BR): começar - iniciar
• Portuguese (PT): começar - iniciar
• Chinese (Simplified): 开始 (正式)
• Chinese (Traditional): 開始 (正式)
• Hindi: प्रारंभ करना - शुरू करना
• Arabic: يبدأ (رسمي)
• Bengali: আরম্ভ করা - শুরু করা (আনুষ্ঠানিকভাবে)
• Russian: начинать - начинаться (официально)
• Japanese: 開始する
• Vietnamese: bắt đầu - khởi đầu (trang trọng)
• Korean: 시작하다 (격식)
• Turkish: başlamak (resmî)
• Urdu: شروع کرنا (رسمی انداز میں)
• Indonesian: memulai (resmi)

Example Sentences

The ceremony will commence at 10 a.m.

basic

We will commence the meeting after lunch.

basic

Construction will commence in June.

basic

Once everyone is seated, we can commence.

natural

The new law will commence on January 1st.

natural

They waited for the rain to stop before commencing their journey.

natural