Beginning vs. Starting — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
Beginning often marks the initial phase of a process or event, emphasizing origin; starting refers to the act of initiating action or movement, often implying continuation.
Difference Between Beginning and Starting
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "beginning" is commonly used to denote the very first part or phase of something, indicating its origin or point of inception. Whereas "starting" generally refers to the action of causing something to begin, focusing more on the act of initiation than the actual point in time.
In narrative and storytelling, "beginning" sets up the background and establishes the setting and characters. On the other hand, "starting" might be used to describe the moment a specific action or series of events is set into motion within that narrative.
When discussing processes or operations, "beginning" can imply a more passive state, such as the beginning of a day. In contrast, "starting" is active, like starting a machine, which involves deliberate steps or actions.
In the context of instructions or guides, "beginning" can be used to signify the introductory section that provides fundamental information. Conversely, "starting" is often found in steps or commands that prompt the user to initiate a specific function or task.
In terms of usage in everyday language, "beginning" might carry a slightly more formal or philosophical connotation, as in the beginning of life. Meanwhile, "starting" is often utilized in practical, everyday scenarios, like starting a car or a job.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Refers to the initial phase or point
Act of initiating or beginning action
Usage in Narrative
Sets up background and context
Triggers specific actions or events
Implication
Often passive, implies inception
Active, involves specific steps
Formality
More formal or philosophical
More practical and common
Example in Operation
Beginning of an era
Starting a machine
Compare with Definitions
Beginning
Can signify the foundational stage.
The beginning of her career was marked by numerous challenges.
Starting
Used when activating or causing something to operate.
She's starting a new course at the university.
Beginning
Refers to the first part of a sequence.
In the beginning of the book, the characters are introduced.
Starting
Refers to the initiation of an action.
Starting the engine requires turning the key.
Beginning
Marks the initial phase of an event.
The beginning of the movie was captivating.
Starting
Implies the beginning of movement or progress.
Starting next week, the new policies come into effect.
Beginning
Indicates the point of origin.
The beginning of the universe is a hotly debated topic.
Starting
Can suggest the point at which something becomes operational.
Starting the software installation now.
Beginning
Used to describe the start of a period in time.
The beginning of the year is always busy.
Starting
Often used to indicate the commencement of an activity.
He's starting his speech with a quote.
Beginning
The point in time or space at which something begins
They had reached the beginning of the wood
He left at the beginning of February
Starting
To begin a movement, activity, or undertaking
She started to dance. The dog started barking. Once we start in, we'll get a feel for the project.
Beginning
The act or process of bringing or being brought into being; a start
The beginning of the universe.
Starting
To move on the initial part of a journey
They started for the summit.
Beginning
The time when something begins or is begun
The beginning of June.
Starting
To have a beginning; commence
The movie starts at nine.
Beginning
The place where something begins or is begun
At the beginning of the road.
Starting
To come quickly into view, life, or activity; spring forth
The boy's tears started when the balloon popped.
Beginning
The first part
The front matter is at the beginning of the book.
Starting
To have as an initial part or job
I started as an assistant.
Beginning
Often beginnings An early stage or phase
The beginnings of human life on this planet.
Starting
To move one's body or a part of it suddenly or involuntarily
Started at the loud noise.
Beginning
The source or cause
What was the beginning of the dispute?.
Starting
(Sports) To be in the initial lineup of a game or race.
Beginning
(uncountable) The act of doing that which begins anything; commencement of an action, state, or space of time; entrance into being or upon a course; the first act, effort, or state of a succession of acts or states.
Starting
To protrude or bulge
Eyes that fairly started from their sockets in fear.
Beginning
That which is begun; a rudiment or element.
Starting
To become loosened or disengaged.
Beginning
That which begins or originates something; the source or first cause.
What was the beginning of the dispute?
Starting
To take the first step in doing
We start work at dawn.
Beginning
The initial portion of some extended thing.
The author describes the main character's youth at the beginning of the story.
That house is at the beginning of the street.
Starting
To cause to come into being; make happen or originate
Bad wiring started the fire. The website started the rumor.
Beginning
Present participle of begin
He is beginning to read a new book.
Starting
To set into motion, operation, or activity
Start an engine.
A shot that started the race.
Beginning
(informal) Of or relating to the first portion of some extended thing.
In the beginning paragraph of the chapter
In the beginning section of the course
Starting
To begin to attend
Start school.
Beginning
The act of doing that which begins anything; commencement of an action, state, or space of time; entrance into being or upon a course; the first act, effort, or state of a succession of acts or states.
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Starting
To cause (someone) to have an initial position or role
The manager started him in marketing.
Beginning
That which begins or originates something; the first cause; origin; source.
I am . . . the beginning and the ending.
Starting
To play in the initial lineup of (a game).
Beginning
That which is begun; a rudiment or element.
Mighty things from small beginnings grow.
Starting
To put (a player) into the initial lineup of a game.
Beginning
Enterprise.
Starting
To enter (a participant) into a race or game.
Beginning
The event consisting of the start of something;
The beginning of the war
Starting
To found; establish
Start a business.
Beginning
The time at which something is supposed to begin;
They got an early start
She knew from the get-go that he was the man for her
The middle of the war
Rain during the middle of April
Starting
To tend in an early stage of development
Start seedlings.
Beginning
The first part or section of something;
`It was a dark and stormy night' is a hackneyed beginning for a story
A whole is that which has beginning, middle, and end
Starting
To rouse (game) from its hiding place or lair; flush.
Beginning
The place where something begins, where it springs into being;
The Italian beginning of the Renaissance
Jupiter was the origin of the radiation
Pittsburgh is the source of the Ohio River
Communism's Russian root
Starting
To cause to become displaced or loosened.
Beginning
The act of starting something;
He was responsible for the beginning of negotiations
Starting
An act of beginning; an initial effort
I made a start on keeping a journal.
Beginning
Serving to begin;
The beginning canto of the poem
The first verse
Starting
The beginning of a new construction project
An application for a building start.
Starting
A result of an initial effort
What we did may not sound like much, but it's a start.
Starting
A place or time of beginning
At the start of the decade.
Starting
A starting line for a race.
Starting
A signal to begin a race.
Starting
An instance of beginning a race
A sprinter who improved her start.
Starting
An instance of being in the starting lineup for a game, especially as a pitcher
In five starts, he has three wins.
Starting
A startled reaction or movement.
Starting
A part that has become dislocated or loosened.
Starting
A position of advantage over others, as in a race or an endeavor; a lead
Our rivals have a three-month start in research.
Starting
An opportunity granted to pursue a career or course of action.
Starting
Present participle of start#Verb
Starting
The act of something that starts.
Constant startings and stoppings
Starting
A turn to be a starter (in a game at the beginning);
He got his start because one of the regular pitchers was in the hospital
His starting meant that the coach thought he was one of their best linemen
Starting
(especially of eyes) bulging or protruding as with fear;
With eyes starting from their sockets
Starting
Appropriate to the beginning or start of an event;
The starting point
Hands in the starting position
Common Curiosities
What does "beginning" imply in a historical context?
In history, "beginning" often refers to the very start or birth of an era, civilization, or significant period.
Is there a psychological aspect to using "beginning"?
Psychologically, "beginning" can evoke a sense of newness and potential, often associated with optimism or a fresh start.
Can "beginning" be used to refer to the start of a physical journey?
Yes, "beginning" can denote the start of a journey, emphasizing its origin point or initial stage.
What does "starting" imply in a business context?
In business, "starting" refers to the act of launching a new venture, project, or initiative, focusing on the initial action taken.
Is "beginning" used differently in religious texts?
In religious contexts, "beginning" often carries profound significance, typically referring to the creation or start of the universe, as in "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
What is the significance of "starting" in medical procedures?
In medicine, "starting" a treatment or procedure involves beginning the application or administration of a medical protocol.
How does the meaning of "starting" evolve in mechanical contexts?
Mechanically, "starting" refers to the action of operating a device or engine, focusing on the technical steps required to initiate its function.
When is "beginning" preferred over "starting" in literature?
In literature, "beginning" is preferred when setting the stage or establishing context for the story, as opposed to "starting," which might be used to describe the action kicking off the plot.
How is "starting" typically used in sports?
In sports, "starting" refers to the commencement of a game or race, often signaled by a starting gun or whistle.
How does "starting" differ when used in technology?
In technology, "starting" usually refers to the process of initiating a system or software, like starting a computer or an app.
Can "beginning" refer to an abstract concept?
Yes, "beginning" can be used metaphorically to refer to the start of abstract concepts like relationships, life phases, or ideas.
What role does "starting" play in educational settings?
In education, "starting" might refer to the beginning of a class, course, or academic year, focusing on the action of commencing the educational activities.
Does "beginning" carry a different weight in philosophical discussions?
Philosophically, "beginning" is often used to discuss origins and first principles, carrying a weightier, more foundational connotation.
How do filmmakers use "starting" in their terminology?
Filmmakers use "starting" to describe the commencement of filming or a scene, focusing on the action aspect like "starting a shot" or "starting production."
How does the emotional connotation of "beginning" compare to "starting"?
Emotionally, "beginning" might evoke a sense of nostalgia or profundity, whereas "starting" often carries a more practical, immediate connotation.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
