begun
Definition
Begun is the past participle of the verb begin.
- Past participle form: "begun" is used with auxiliary verbs (e.g., , , ) to form perfect tenses or the passive voice. It means "to have started" or "to have commenced."
Usage Examples
- (She has started her homework.)
- (The project had started earlier.)
- (The race has been started — passive construction.)
Advanced Usage
"well begun is half done": A proverb meaning that if a task is started well, it is easier to complete.
- Remember: well begun is half done, so plan carefully. (A good start makes the rest easier.)
"to have begun with": Used to indicate the starting point of something.
- The problem had begun with a small mistake. (The issue started from a minor error.)
Variants and Related Words
- Begin (verb base form): to start.
- We begin class at 9 AM.
- Began (simple past): the past tense of "begin."
- She began her speech at noon.
- Beginner (noun): a person who is starting to learn or do something.
- He is a beginner at chess. (He is new to the game.)
Synonyms
- Started: the past participle of "start" — to have commenced.
- They have started the meeting.
- Commenced: a formal synonym for "begun."
- The ceremony has commenced.
Related Idioms
"To have begun at the beginning": to start from the very first point.
- He has begun at the beginning, explaining the basics first. (He started from the earliest stage.)
"To have begun the world": an archaic phrase meaning to start one's career or life.
- She had begun the world as a shop assistant. (She started her working life in retail.)