<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li><p>(used without object)</p><ul><li>to proceed to perform the first or earliest part of some action; commence; start: The story begins with their marriage.</li><li>to come into existence; arise; originate: The custom began during the Civil War.</li></ul></li><li><p>(used with object)</p><ul><li>to proceed to perform the first or earliest part of (some action): Begin the job tomorrow.</li><li>to originate; be the originator of: civic leaders who began the reform movement.</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li>initiate</li><li>inaugurate</li><li>institute</li></ul>