mindmap root((开始)) begin is the most general and applies especially to less formal contexts: school ~s at eight; ~ to wash the dishes. commence suggests greater formality: let the games ~. start suggests a getting or setting into motion: the procession ~ed out slowly. initiate suggests the taking of a first step of a process or series: ~d the custom of annual gift giving. inaugurate implies a ceremonial beginning: the discovery of penicillin ~d a new medical age.