commencement
Le commencement de son voyage a été difficile.
The beginning of his journey was difficult.
The beginning or start of something, especially an event or process.
Le commencement de l'année scolaire est en septembre.
The start of the school year is in September.
Le commencement de la cérémonie a été marqué par un discours du maire.
The beginning of the ceremony was marked by a speech from the mayor.
In French, 'commencement' is often used in formal or ceremonial contexts, such as graduations or official events.
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Usage
'Commencement' is more formal and often used in official or ceremonial contexts. For everyday language, 'début' is more common.
Word Origin
From Old French 'comencement', from Latin 'cominitium', meaning 'beginning'.
Usage Notes
'Commencement' is often used in formal or ceremonial contexts, such as graduations or official events. In everyday language, 'début' is more commonly used.