commence

Commence is a fancy way of saying "begin." Your invitation to a formal wedding might note, "The ceremony will commence at noon."

If a congressman wants to start a meeting to vote on an important bill, he might say, "This meeting will begin immediately." Or, he could make the same statement in a more formal way by saying, "This meeting will commence immediately." Interestingly enough, while the word commence means to start, a commencement ceremony marks the end of a college career.

Definitions of commence
1

v set in motion, cause to start

Synonyms:
begin, lead off, start
begin
have a beginning, of a temporal event
Antonyms:
end, terminate
bring to an end or halt
Types:
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jump-start, jumpstart
start or re-start vigorously
recommence
cause to start anew
inaugurate, introduce, usher in
be a precursor of
set off
set in motion or cause to begin
embark on, start, start up
get off the ground
inaugurate, kick off
commence officially
open
begin or set in action, of meetings, speeches, recitals, etc.

v take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

Synonyms:
begin, get, get down, set about, set out, start, start out
begin
begin to speak, understand, read, and write a language
Antonyms:
end, terminate
bring to an end or halt
Types:
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recommence
begin again
strike out
set out on a course of action
fall
begin vigorously
jump off
set off quickly, usually with success
get to
arrive at the point of
auspicate
commence in a manner calculated to bring good luck
attack
set to work upon; turn one's energies vigorously to a task
break in
start in a certain activity, enterprise, or role
launch, plunge
begin with vigor
come on
occur or become available
embark, enter
set out on (an enterprise or subject of study)
bestir oneself, get cracking, get going, get moving, get rolling, get started, get weaving
start to be active
take up
pursue or resume

v get off the ground

Synonyms:
embark on, start, start up
Types:
show 6 types...
hide 6 types...
inaugurate, kick off
commence officially
open
begin or set in action, of meetings, speeches, recitals, etc.
swear in
administer on oath to
dedicate
open to public use, as of a highway, park, or building
inaugurate
open ceremoniously or dedicate formally
call to order
open formally
Type of:
begin, lead off, start
set in motion, cause to start

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