Commencement is the act of beginning something. In schools and universities, it’s the formal ceremony that marks the completion of studies and the start of graduates’ next stage of life.
From Old French *comencement* “a beginning,” from *comencier* “to begin,” from Late Latin *cominitiare*. The academic meaning developed because graduation ceremonies marked the start of a new status in life.
It’s funny that a graduation ceremony is called a “commencement,” which literally means “beginning,” not “ending.” The ceremony marks that school is over, but your next chapter—work, research, adult life—is officially starting.
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