start

The first part or moment of something.

• It was a good start.
• I liked the story from the start.
• The start of the course was difficult.

How to use it: the start of something (We missed the start of the film.)

Similar words: beginning, opening

Opposites: end, finish

Common phrases: at the start, from the start, good start, fresh start

The place where a race or game begins.

• The runners waited at the start.
• Move your piece back to the start.
• We walked from the finish to the start.

Similar words: starting point, starting line

Opposites: finish

Common phrases: at the start, back to start, race start

A quick movement of your body because something suddenly surprises or frightens you.

• She woke with a start.
• He gave a start when the door slammed.
• A sudden start sent her cup flying.

Similar words: jump, jerk

Common phrases: with a start, give a start, sudden start

An appearance as a player or competitor from the beginning of a sports event.

• She earned her first start today.
• He made ten starts last season.
• The coach gave the young goalkeeper a start.

How to use it: a start for a team (He made his first start for the national team.)

Common phrases: first start, league start, make a start

A sudden feeling of surprise or fear.

• You gave me a start!
• The unexpected knock gave her quite a start.
• I got a start when I saw his face at the window.

How to use it: give someone a start (Your shout gave me a start.)

Similar words: fright, shock

Common phrases: give someone a start, quite a start, get a start

To begin doing something or make an activity begin.

• We start school tomorrow.
• She started reading after dinner.
• When does the meeting start?

How to use it: start doing something (She started learning French last year.); start to do something (It started to rain.); start with something (Let us start with an easy question.)

Similar words: begin, commence

Opposites: finish, stop

Common phrases: start work, start to read, start doing something, start a course

To make a machine begin working.

• Please start the car.
• He started the engine with a key.
• Can you start this machine for me?

Similar words: turn on, switch on

Opposites: stop

Common phrases: start the car, start the engine, start a machine, start the motor

To cause something to happen or create something that continues.

• They started a small business.
• A spark started the fire.
• Who started that rumour about our teacher?

Similar words: begin, launch, initiate

Opposites: end

Common phrases: start a business, start a rumour, start a fire, start an argument