Commence is a French word that translates to "begin" or "start" in English. It is commonly used to indicate the initiation of an action or process.
Understanding the meaning and usage of "commence" is important for expressing the start of something in French conversations and texts.
The word "commence" comes from the Latin word "cominitiare," which means "to begin." Over time, it evolved into the French word "commence" with a similar meaning.
Starting an activity: When you want to indicate the beginning of an activity or event, you can use "commence." For example, "Le spectacle commence à 20 heures" means "The show starts at 8 p.m."
Formal announcements: In formal contexts, such as official announcements or written instructions, "commence" is used to signal the start of a process or procedure. For instance, "La réunion commence à midi" translates to "The meeting commences at noon."
In French, "commence" is often paired with other words to specify the type of beginning, such as "commencer à" (to start to) or "commencer par" (to start with).
"Commence" is a versatile French word that is essential for indicating the beginning of various actions or processes. By mastering its usage and understanding related expressions, you can effectively communicate the start of events and activities in French.