Definition

Noun: 1. A place, time, or situation from which something begins: The initial stage or position from which a process, journey, or discussion commences. 2. A basis or foundation for reasoning, discussion, or calculation: A fact, idea, or principle that serves as the first step in an argument or line of thought.

Usage and Examples

• As the initial location or moment:
  • The trailhead serves as the starting point for the hike.
  • Let's take 1990 as our starting point for analyzing economic trends.
• As the foundational idea or fact:
  • The professor provided a clear definition as a starting point for the debate.
  • This historical document is a useful starting point for your research.

Advanced Usage

• "to use something as a starting point": To adopt an initial idea, fact, or position as the basis for further development or investigation.
  • We can use the client's rough sketch as a starting point for the final design.
• "a logical starting point": An initial step that is reasonable or well-founded.
  • Checking the power supply is a logical starting point for troubleshooting the machine.

Variants and Related Words

• Start (noun/verb): The beginning of an activity or event; to begin something.
  • The start of the race was exciting.
• Point of departure: A synonym often used in formal or technical contexts to mean a starting point, especially for a discussion or journey.
  • This theory will be our point of departure.

Synonyms

• Beginning: The point in time or space at which something starts.
• Commencement: A formal word for a beginning or start.
• Outset: The very beginning of an event or process.
• Baseline: A minimum or starting point used for comparisons.

Related Phrases

• Jumping-off point: A point from which an enterprise, expedition, or discussion is launched. It implies a more dynamic beginning than a static "starting point."
  • The article was a jumping-off point for a lively classroom discussion.
• Springboard: Something that provides an initial impetus for development. It suggests the starting point provides momentum.
  • Her first successful novel was a springboard to a major writing career.

Notes on Meaning

The term "starting point" inherently contains the idea of a limit or boundary—the point from which something begins. It marks the end of the preparatory phase and the beginning of the main action or thought process. It is a neutral term and does not imply anything about the quality or duration of what follows.

Noun

1. earliest limiting point