Present participle of commence; beginning or starting something, especially formally or officially. Initiating an action, process, or event.
From Old French 'comencier,' from Latin 'cum-' (together) and 'initiare' (to begin). The word entered English in the 14th century with formal connotations, often used for ceremonies and official proceedings.
Commence carries more formality and ceremony than simple 'begin' - you commence graduation ceremonies, legal proceedings, or important projects. This linguistic distinction shows how we use different words to signal the importance or solemnity of what's starting.
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