commencement
|com-mence-ment|
/kəˈmɛnsmənt/
beginning or ceremony
Etymology
'commencement' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'comencement', where 'com-' meant 'together' and 'encement' meant 'beginning'.
'comencement' transformed into the Middle English word 'commencement', and eventually became the modern English word 'commencement'.
Initially, it meant 'beginning or start', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the beginning or start of something.
The commencement of the project was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.
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Noun 2
a ceremony in which degrees or diplomas are conferred on graduating students.
The commencement ceremony will be held in the main auditorium.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40