start
Where journeys begin
The verb start is a close synonym of begin, just as the noun start is a close synonym of beginning.
Start can also be used to talk about the low end of a range of prices: Prices start at $200 a night.
Noun uses of start designate an act or instance of starting: the start of summer, make a new start.
Start is much more frequent than beginning, perhaps by virtue of being shorter and being fixed in certain phrases: false start, start in life, start to the season.
Meanings of the noun and verb having to do with sudden movement (jump up with a start, she started when I spoke) are the original meanings of the word, and are still in use.
Founding moment
- genesisPoint of creation
- outsetInitial point of something
- dawnDay's first glow
- onsetStarting point of something
commencement · threshold · birth · emergence · advent · origin · kickoff · inauguration
Starting combustion process
- turnoverSales volume or attrition
- crankRotary operating handle
- keyLock-opening device
- batteryPortable electricity storage
spark · idle · rev · motor · choke · warm up · alternator · jumpstart
Backward enumeration to zero
- liftoffMoment of ascent
- ignitionStarting combustion process
- blastoffRocket launch moment
- rocketPropulsion-driven spacecraft
spacecraft · booster · propulsion · trajectory · mission · thrusters · launchpad · satellite
Formal event marking occasions
- ritualCeremonial set of actions
- riteCeremonial act or practice
- inductionFormal admission process
- baptismRitual water purification ceremony
inauguration · enrollment · matriculation · investiture · installation · pledging · novitiate · admittance
Foundational preparation for something
- cornerstoneFoundational building block
- bedrockSolid stone underground
- baseSupporting bottom structure
- footingSecure ground position
underpinning · framework · platform · substrate · baseline · anchor · pillar · support
inception
Founding moment
onset · commencement · threshold · birth · emergence · advent · origin · kickoff · inauguration · prelude
ignition
Starting combustion process
battery · spark · idle · rev · motor · choke · warm up · alternator · jumpstart
countdown
Backward enumeration to zero
rocket · spacecraft · booster · propulsion · trajectory · mission · thrusters · launchpad · satellite · payload
ceremony
Formal event marking occasions
baptism · inauguration · enrollment · matriculation · investiture · installation · pledging · novitiate · admittance · enlistment
groundwork
Foundational preparation for something
- cornerstoneFoundational building block
- bedrockSolid stone underground
- baseSupporting bottom structure
footing · underpinning · framework · platform · substrate · baseline · anchor · pillar · support · building blocks
gun
Projectile-launching weapon
grid · pole position · sprint · dash · whistle · flag · gate · signal · horn · mark
kickoff
Opening play in football
face-off · first pitch · break · bully · jump ball · service · rally · whistle · coin toss · inning
startend
Final portion or cessation
finish · conclusion · ending · termination · finale
- start overBegin from the beginning
- fresh startOpportunity to restart unburdened
- get startedBegin an undertaking
- starting overBeginning again from scratch
- start a fireInitiate burning
- start offBegin an activity
started, startle, starting, startling, startled, starter, restart, starts, startup