Main entry: commence, start, start out, set about, set out, get, get down, begin
Definition: take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
Usage: We began working at dawn; Who will start?; Get working as soon as the sun rises!; The first tourists began to arrive in Cambodia; He began early in the day; Let's get down to work now
Main entry: commence, start, lead off, begin
Definition: set in motion, cause to start
Usage: The U.S. started a war in the Middle East; The Iraqis began hostilities; begin a new chapter in your life