easy
We begin the game after lunch.
What does Begin mean?
Begin means to start.
Dictionary definition
To start doing something or to have something start.
Example sentences
Begin in a sentence
medium
The story will begin with a mystery.
hard
Plants begin to grow when they get warmth, water, and light.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice begin in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Commonly confused words
Begin or being?
Compare the meanings, then choose a word for each new sentence.
Begin
To start.
In a sentence We begin practice at noon.
Being
Existing or acting in a certain way; also a living creature.
In a sentence Thank you for being patient.
Spot the difference Begin means start. Being is a form of be and can also name a living creature.
Which word fits?
Choose begin or being for each blank. Say your answer, then check why it fits.
1Please ___ reading at the top of the page.
Check answer 1
begin — The sentence asks someone to start.
2Thank you for ___ so helpful today.
Check answer 2
being — After for, being describes how someone is acting.
Make it your ownTry the word in a sentence about your day.
Write a sentence with beginQuick practice
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Practice the meaning of Begin
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does begin mean?
Begin means to start.
Practice 2
Which word or phrase is closest in meaning to begin?
Start is closest because it connects to this meaning: Begin means to start.
Practice 3
Which word or phrase is a useful contrast to begin?
Finish is a useful contrast because begin means: Begin means to start.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Begin
Voice settings
Sounds like
bih · gin · strongest beat: gin
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordBegin.
Partverb.
MeaningBegin means to start.
ExampleExample: We begin the game after lunch.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- bih · gin
- Strongest beat
- gin
- Ending
- gin
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on gin.
Your turn
Say Begin
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced begin.
Synonyms
Words like Begin
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice begin synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Please begin the story when everyone is seated," then compare close word choices. Practice begin synonyms.
Word family
Begin word family
Base word
begin
verb
begins
Starts now or often.
verb
began
Started in the past.
noun
beginning
The first part.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Begin
Hint for students
Begin means to start something.
Common mix-up
Do not confuse begin with being. Begin is an action; being is a state.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The story will begin with a mystery. Clue words: story, will, mystery. Underline clue words that show why begin fits instead of finish. Now write one new sentence that shows begin without using the word begin. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show begin?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The story will begin with a mystery." Why does begin fit better than finish?
Learning activities
Practice Begin and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice BEGIN” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice BEGIN
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with BEGIN
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
Choose the meaning that fits and get instant feedback.
Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words