What is beginning? Pronunciation and usage in English

beginning means . Learn how to pronounce and use beginning through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of beginning

beginningnoun

/bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of beginning

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "beginning" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • "begin": This part is fairly straightforward. Pronounce it like "bi-gin".

    • "bi": Say it quickly, like the "bee" in "bike".
    • "gin": Rhymes with "win" or "tin".

  • "–ning": This is the trickiest part! It's pronounced like "ning". Think of it as a short, quick "ning" sound.

2. Putting it Together:

So, "beginning" is pronounced: bi-gin-ning

  • Slowly: "Bi-gin-ning" – really emphasize each syllable.
  • Faster: "Bi-gin-ning" – It should flow together smoothly, but you should still be able to hear each syllable.

3. Key Tips & Nuances:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: "bi-gin-ning".
  • Short "i" sound: The "i" in "begin" is a short "i" sound, like in "bit" or "sit." Don't say the long "ee" sound.
  • Don't Overemphasize the "ing": The "ing" is almost like a tiny little addition to the end. It shouldn’t be drawn out.

4. Helpful Resources:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What is your native language? (This helps me understand any potential pronunciation differences you might be used to.)

Usage and examples with the word beginning in English

Let's break down how to use the word "beginning" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your speech and writing.

1. As a Noun (the starting point):

  • The start of something: This is the most common use.
    • "The beginning of the movie was slow." (The initial part)
    • "What's the beginning of this story?" (Where it all started)
    • "I'm excited about the beginning of my new job." (The start of employment)
  • A new phase or period:
    • "The beginning of a long illness can be difficult." (The initial stage)
    • "This is the beginning of a new era." (A time of fundamental change)
  • A school year/semester/etc.:
    • "The beginning of the school year is always hectic."
    • "Let's meet at the beginning of the semester."

2. As a Verb (to initiate or start):

  • To start something:
    • "The company is beginning to expand." (Starting to grow)
    • "She is beginning to understand the problem." (Starting to grasp it)
    • "We will begin the meeting in five minutes." (Starting the meeting)
  • To start a process or experience:
    • "Let's begin working on the project."
    • "He is beginning to feel better." (Starting to recover)

3. Phrases Using "Beginning":

  • In the beginning...: Commonly used in storytelling to introduce the start of a narrative. (e.g., "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.")
  • The beginning of the end: A phrase referring to the early stages of something's decline or failure.
  • From the beginning: "I've always known he wasn't telling the truth, from the beginning." (Since the very start)
  • A new beginning: Something representing a fresh start or opportunity.

4. Grammatical Notes:

  • "Beginning" is often used with prepositions:
    • "at the beginning" (e.g., "at the beginning of the chapter")
    • "in the beginning" (e.g., "in the beginning of the story")
    • "from the beginning" (e.g., “from the beginning of the process”)

Example Sentences Showing Different Uses:

  • Noun: "The beginning of the rain sent people running for cover."
  • Verb: "The artist is beginning to experiment with new techniques."
  • Phrase: “This is a new beginning for our family."

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you working with? (e.g., writing a story, giving a presentation, having a conversation?)
  • Are there any specific sentences you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word beginning

Idioms of the word beginning

the beginning of the end
the first sign of something ending
  • The scandal was the beginning of the end of his career as a politician.

Practice with vocabulary beginning

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. At the __________ of the meeting, the manager introduced the agenda.
  2. The __________ stages of the project were challenging but exciting.
  3. She decided to __________ her presentation with a personal story.
  4. The event was delayed, so everyone waited at the __________ point.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What word best describes the start of something?
    a) Ending
    b) Beginning
    c) Middle
    d) Conclusion

  2. Which of the following can be used to describe the introductory part of a process?
    a) Commencement
    b) Finale
    c) Initiation
    d) Beginning

  3. Which word does NOT mean the same as "start"?
    a) Launch
    b) Beginning
    c) Termination
    d) Outset

  4. In the sentence "The ceremony had a grand __________," which word fits best?
    a) Closure
    b) Ending
    c) Commencement
    d) Beginning

  5. Which word is a near-synonym for "origin"?
    a) Conclusion
    b) Finish
    c) Inception
    d) Beginning

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She started her day by reading the news.
  2. The project will commence in two weeks.
  3. The first chapter of the book was very engaging.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. At the beginning of the meeting, the manager introduced the agenda.
  2. The beginning stages of the project were challenging but exciting.
  3. She decided to start her presentation with a personal story.
  4. The event was delayed, so everyone waited at the starting point.

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Beginning
  2. a) Commencement / d) Beginning
  3. c) Termination
  4. c) Commencement / d) Beginning
  5. c) Inception / d) Beginning

Exercise 3:

  1. She began her day by reading the news.
  2. The project will start in two weeks.
  3. The beginning of the book was very engaging.

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