[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/commencement/)

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# commencement

noun (commencement, commencements)

«commencement» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. (formal) Commencement is the beginning or start of something. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/commencement/#m1)
2. (US, Canada) A commencement is a graduation ceremony at a school or university, when students get their diplomas. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/commencement/#m2)

### In the lessons

In formal notices and exams: "the commencement of the lesson", "before commencement of the exam". In the USA, commencement speeches are given at graduation. Phrases: commencement of, commencement ceremony, commencement speech.

### Examples

- No talking after the commencement of the test. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/commencement/#x1)
- The commencement of building work was delayed. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/commencement/#x2)
- My cousin's commencement was held in the gym. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/commencement/#x3)
- She gave a commencement speech to the graduates. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/commencement/#x4)
- Arrive 10 minutes before the commencement of the match. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/commencement/#x5)
- Commencement is at 10 a.m. sharp. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/commencement/#x6)
- The commencement of spring brings longer days. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/commencement/#x7)
- Please switch off phones before commencement. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/commencement/#x8)
- "My own son and the son of my chief vizier!" exclaimed the king, who had been present from the commencement. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/commencement/#x9)

### Note

Formal; everyday word: start, beginning. Verb: commence (formal for start). Spelling: double m, -ment. Trap: in the US it is an end (graduation), but the word means a beginning (of adult life).

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «commencement» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/C/commencement/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«commencement» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/commencement.html) on Mova free.