commencement

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the time at which something is supposed to begin
  2. noun an academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred
  3. noun the act of starting something

Etymology

From French commencement; analyzable as commence + -ment.

In classic literature

Synonyms

beginning, first, outset, get-go, start, kickoff, starting time, showtime, offset

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