noun

beginning

The first part or start of something.

The beginning of the trail is marked by a wooden sign.

Etymology

The inherited verb names starting. The noun can identify the act of starting or, by extension, the first stretch of the thing that starts.

More examples

  • She rereads the beginning of the letter.
  • The project had modest beginnings.
  • We arrive just before the beginning of the performance.

Forms

beginning · beginnings

Similar words

start
The ordinary equivalent, often emphasizing the moment something commences.
opening
Often names an initial section rather than the origin of something.