How is the word commence different from other verbs like it?
Some common synonyms of commence are begin, inaugurate, initiate, start, and usher in. While all these words mean "to take the first step in a course, process, or operation," commence can be more formal or bookish than begin or start.
commence firing
commenced a conversation
How does the word begin relate to other synonyms for commence?
Begin, start, and commence are often interchangeable, with begin, opposed to end, being the most general.
begin a trip
began dancing
Where would inaugurate be a reasonable alternative to commence?
The words inaugurate and commence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, inaugurate suggests a beginning of some formality or notion of significance.
the discovery of penicillin inaugurated a new era in medicine
When is initiate a more appropriate choice than commence?
In some situations, the words initiate and commence are roughly equivalent. However, initiate implies taking a first step in a process or series that is to continue.
initiated diplomatic contacts
When could start be used to replace commence?
The synonyms start and commence are sometimes interchangeable, but start, opposed to stop, applies especially to first actions, steps, or stages.
the work started slowly
How do usher in and inaugurate relate to one another, in the sense of commence?
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