commencer
/kɔ.mɑ̃.se/
Definition
To start or begin doing something or going somewhere.
Example
Elle commence à travailler à huit heures chaque matin.
Show translation
She starts work at eight o'clock every morning.
Etymology
From Old French *comencier*, from Vulgar Latin *cominitiāre*, a compound of Latin *com-* (together, with) + *initiāre* (to begin, initiate), itself from *initium* (beginning). The same Latin root gives English "initiate" and "initial."
Cultural note
In French, *commencer* is followed by the preposition *à* before an infinitive verb (*commencer à manger*) but by *de* in more formal or literary contexts (*il commença de parler*). In everyday spoken French, *à* is overwhelmingly the standard choice. Don't confuse with *débuter*, which is more formal and often used for the start of events, careers, or performances.