Word
commencement
Phoneticscom·mence·ment, stress on the second syllable
US/kəˈmɛnsmənt/
UK/kəmˈɛnsmənt/
Definitions
01the beginning
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Formal
n. the start or beginning of something.
n. the act or fact of starting; the initial stage of a process or event.
“The commencement of the project was delayed by two weeks due to bad weather.”
“The legal team awaited the formal commencement of proceedings before submitting their final evidence to the court.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of' followed by a noun phrase.
Teaching tip
This is a high-register synonym for 'start'; advise students to use it in professional or academic writing rather than casual conversation.
Antonyms
02graduation ceremony
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Education American English
n. a formal ceremony where students receive their degrees or diplomas.
n. the ceremony at which academic degrees or diplomas are conferred upon students.
“Her parents flew across the country to attend her university commencement.”
“The keynote speaker at the commencement ceremony encouraged the graduates to pursue careers that aligned with their ethical values.”
Usage
Commonly used as a countable noun in North American academic contexts.
Teaching tip
In British English, 'graduation' is the standard term; 'commencement' for a ceremony is primarily an American usage.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“A group of graduates takes part in the Black Commencement at Harvard University on May 23, 2017.” “An earlier version gave incorrect commencement dates for the US and Canadian tariffs.” Etymology
From French commencement; analyzable as commence + -ment.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/commencement