Definition of: beginning

(bi·gin′ing) noun
1. The starting point in space, time or action; origin.
2. The first stage or part.
3. The source or first cause of anything. Synonyms: commencement, foundation, fountain, inauguration, inception, initiation, opening, origin, outset, rise, source, spring, start. The Latin commencement is more formal than the Anglo-Saxon beginning, as the verb commence is more formal than begin. Commencement is for the most part restricted to some form of action, while beginning has no restriction, but may be applied to whatever may be conceived of as having a first part, point, degree, etc. An origin is the point from which something starts or sets out, often involving causal connections; as the origin of a nation, government, or a family. A source is that which furnishes a first and continuous supply; as, the source of a river. A rise is thought of as in an action; we say that a lake is the source of a certain river, or that the river takes its rise from the lake. Compare CAUSE. Antonyms: see synonyms for END.