# commencement

/kəˈmɛnsmənt/ (US) · /kəmˈɛnsmənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/commencement
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the beginning

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

the start or beginning of something.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. graduation ceremony

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a formal ceremony where students receive their degrees or diplomas.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The commencement of the project was marked by a speech.
- The university held its annual commencement ceremony in the main stadium.
- The commencement of hostilities was sudden, catching the diplomatic corps off guard and forcing an immediate recall of ambassadors.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.