début — meaning in English: beginning

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Guess the translation for beginning

automatique

connu

l'ancien

début

toute

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'début' in contexts like discussing the start of a project, class, or event. For instance, you might hear someone say, 'Le début de l'année scolaire est toujours excitant!' when talking about the beginning of the school year. It's also common in literary or artistic discussions to describe the opening scene of a play or book.

Synonyms & nuances

'Début' can be closely associated with 'commencement', but while 'commencement' often refers to the formal start of something, 'début' carries a sense of personal initiation or first-time experiences. You might choose 'début' when describing a personal milestone or event, such as a debut performance.

Culture

'Début' comes from the Latin word 'debutare', meaning 'to begin'. Interestingly, it is often associated with the notion of first experiences, such as a 'début in the music industry' or a 'débutante ball', which marks a young person's formal introduction to society. This gives the word a sense of new beginnings and opportunities.

FAQ

Q.What does 'début' mean in English?

'Début' translates to 'beginning' in English. It refers to the start or initial phase of something, whether it's an event, a project, or a person's first appearance in a field.

Q.How do you use 'début' in a sentence?

You can use 'début' in sentences like 'Le début de la réunion est à 10 heures' (The beginning of the meeting is at 10 o'clock) or 'C'était son premier début sur scène' (It was her first debut on stage). This word is versatile and fits well in various contexts.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'début'?

One common mistake is using 'début' when referring to literal starts, like 'start a car'. In this case, the French 'démarrer' is more appropriate. 'Début' is best used for broader beginnings or introductions.

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