start
gb/stˈɑɹt/ us/stˈɑɹt/
A1
English
~ 1100
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A1
action
1
begin an action or activity
To begin doing something.
Usage pattern:
to start [doing something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'start' with 'begin' in formal writing; 'begin' is often preferred in formal contexts.
Synonyms
begin (Slightly more formal; otherwise interchangeable in most contexts.)
Antonyms
stop (Means to bring an action or activity to an end.)
Collocations
start work
|start talking
|start running
|start cooking
|start studying
Themes
daily life
|work
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I will start writing my report after lunch.
- She started learning Spanish last year.
- They started building the bridge in March.
- He starts work at 9 a.m. every day.
- We should start packing for our trip.
Learner examples
- I start my homework after dinner.
- She starts school at eight o'clock.
- We start to play football at five.
- He starts to read a book.
- They start to cook dinner.
Verb
A2
action
2
make something begin to work
To make a machine or vehicle work.
Usage pattern:
to start [a machine/vehicle]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'start' with 'open' for devices; 'open' is for files, programs, or doors, not for engines.
Synonyms
activate (More formal or technical, often used for systems or devices.)
Antonyms
shut down (Means to stop a machine or system from operating.)
Collocations
start a car
|start the engine
|start the computer
|start the washing machine
Themes
technology
|transportation
Examples
- I can't start the car because the battery is dead.
- Press this button to start the washing machine.
- She started the engine and drove away.
- He started the computer to check his email.
Learner examples
- I start my car in the morning.
- She starts the computer to play games.
- He starts the engine of his bike.
- We start the fan when it is hot.
Noun
A2
entity
3
the beginning of something
The first part of something.
Synonyms
beginning (Direct synonym; 'start' is slightly more informal.)
Antonyms
end (The final part of something.)
Collocations
at the start
|from the start
|the start of the race
|new start
Themes
time
|events
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The start of the movie was very exciting.
- We were late for the start of the meeting.
- From the start, he was honest about his intentions.
- They made a fresh start in a new city.
Learner examples
- The start of the day is busy.
- I was happy at the start of the game.
- We wait for the start of class.
- She was tired from the start.
Verb
B1
action
4
initiate creation or existence
To make something new begin or exist.
Usage pattern:
to start [a business/project]
Synonyms
establish (More formal; often used for institutions or systems.)
Antonyms
end (To bring an activity or existence to a close.)
Collocations
start a business
|start a family
|start a project
Themes
business
|projects
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They started a new restaurant downtown.
- She started her own company last year.
- He started a blog about travel.
Learner examples
- I want to start a shop.
- They start a new club in school.
- She starts a small garden.
Verb
B2
action
5
move suddenly from fear/surprise
To move quickly because you are surprised or afraid.
Synonyms
flinch ('Flinch' suggests a smaller movement, often from pain or fear.)
Antonyms
remain still (Means not moving despite surprise or fear.)
Collocations
start in surprise
|start violently
Themes
emotions
|body
Examples
- She started when she heard the loud bang.
- He started violently as the door slammed shut.
- I started at the sound of footsteps behind me.
Learner examples
- I start when I hear a loud noise.
- She starts when someone shouts.
- He starts when he sees a big dog.
Grammar
Dictionary form
start
IPA
GB/stˈɑɹt/
US/stˈɑɹt/
Syllables & stress
start (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (start)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: start
- Plural: start, starts
Verb
- Base: start
- 3rd Person Singular: starts
- Present Participle: starting
- Past: started
Word family
Expressions
get off to a good start
1/ɡˈɛt ˈɔf tə ə ɡˈʊd stˈɑɹt/
fixed phrase
have a successful beginning
To have a successful beginning of an activity or event.
Examples
- The project got off to a good start thanks to careful planning.
- Our team got off to a good start in the tournament.
jump-start
1/d͡ʒˈʌmp stˈɑɹt/
fixed phrase
help something begin quickly/strongly
To help something begin quickly and with energy, especially by giving extra help at the beginning.
Examples
- The government hopes lower taxes will jump-start the economy.
- A good breakfast can jump-start your day.
make a fresh start
1/mˈeɪk ə fɹˈɛʃ stˈɑɹt/
fixed phrase
begin again in an improved way
To begin again in a new and better way after problems or mistakes.
Examples
- After moving cities, she made a fresh start.
- He decided to make a fresh start after changing careers.
start over
1/stˈɑɹt ˈoʊvɚ/
phrasal verb
begin again from scratch
To begin something again from the beginning.
Examples
- If you make a mistake, just start over.
- We decided to start over after losing all our data.
start up
1/stˈɑɹt ˈʌp/
phrasal verb
begin operating or functioning
To begin working or operating, especially for machines or businesses.
Examples
- The car won't start up in this cold weather.
- They started up a tech company last year.