ENGLISH
REFERENCE

commence

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //kəˈmɛns// UK //kəmˈɛns// com·mence Academic Archaic

v. to start something. It is a more formal word than 'begin' or 'start' and is often used for official events or legal processes.

v. to begin or start a process, event, or action. Formal in register; frequently used in legal, academic, or ceremonial contexts.


SIMPLE

The graduation ceremony will commence at ten o'clock.

CONTEXTUAL

The construction crew is scheduled to commence work on the new bridge as soon as the final permits are signed.

COMPLEX

Once the opening statements are concluded, the court will commence the examination of the witnesses to establish a timeline of the events in question.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English commencen, comencen (also as contracted comsen, cumsen), from Anglo-Norman comencer, from Vulgar Latin *cominitiāre, formed from Latin com- + initiō (whence English initiate).

Usage

The verb can be used transitively with a direct object or an -ing form, or intransitively.

Pitfall

The show will commence on 8 PM.The show will commence at 8 PM.Commence follows the same prepositional rules as 'start' or 'begin' when referring to time; 'at' is used for specific clock times.

© 2026 English Reference