Commencement vs. Beginning — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 18, 2024
Commencement often marks a formal start or ceremony, like graduation, while beginning refers to the initial stage or point of something.
Difference Between Commencement and Beginning
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Commencement is commonly associated with academic ceremonies, signifying the completion of a study phase and the start of a new chapter, whereas beginning refers more broadly to the initial point of anything, be it a project, story, or phase in life.
Commencement implies a level of formality and celebration, often observed in universities and colleges to honor graduates, while the beginning can be informal and applies to various contexts, from starting a book to initiating a journey.
While commencements are specific events that occur at predetermined times, such as the end of an academic year, beginnings can occur spontaneously and without ceremony, marking the start of any new endeavor or period.
Commencements are characterized by rituals, speeches, and the conferring of degrees, highlighting a transition point for individuals, whereas beginnings are defined by their novelty and the potential for what is to come, without the need for formal acknowledgment.
In commencements, there's a collective aspect, with groups experiencing a shared milestone, while beginnings can be deeply personal, marking an individual's decision to embark on a new path or idea.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A formal ceremony marking the completion of an academic program
The initial stage or point of something
Context
Academic, celebratory
General, varied contexts
Formality
High, with specific rituals
Can be formal or informal
Nature
Collective, involving groups
Can be individual or collective
Associated Terms
Graduation, ceremonies
Start, inception
Compare with Definitions
Commencement
A formal academic ceremony marking the end of study.
She looked forward to her college commencement.
Beginning
The initial part or phase of something.
The beginning of the book was captivating.
Commencement
A point of transition from academic life to a professional or another phase.
His commencement speech inspired many.
Beginning
The point in time or space where something starts.
The beginning of the trail is marked by a sign.
Commencement
The act of beginning something in a formal context.
The commencement of the conference was marked by the keynote speech.
Beginning
The act of starting something new.
The beginning of their partnership was marked by enthusiasm.
Commencement
A term often synonymous with graduation ceremonies.
Commencement day is a significant event for graduates.
Beginning
The early stages of development.
In the beginning of the project, challenges were numerous.
Commencement
An event celebrating academic achievements.
The university holds its annual commencement in May.
Beginning
The foundation or first element in a series.
The beginning of her career was humble.
Commencement
A beginning; a start.
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
Commencement
A ceremony at which academic degrees or diplomas are conferred.
Beginning
The act or process of bringing or being brought into being; a start
The beginning of the universe.
Commencement
The day on which such a ceremony occurs.
Beginning
The time when something begins or is begun
The beginning of June.
Commencement
The first existence of anything; act or fact of commencing; the beginning.
The time of Henry VII nearly coincides with the commencement of what is termed modern history.
Beginning
The place where something begins or is begun
At the beginning of the road.
Commencement
The day when degrees are conferred by colleges and universities upon students and others.
Beginning
The first part
The front matter is at the beginning of the book.
Commencement
A graduation ceremony, from a school, college or university.
Beginning
Often beginnings An early stage or phase
The beginnings of human life on this planet.
Commencement
The first existence of anything; act or fact of commencing; rise; origin; beginning; start.
The time of Henry VII. . . . nearly coincides with the commencement of what is termed "modern history."
Beginning
The source or cause
What was the beginning of the dispute?.
Commencement
The day when degrees are conferred by colleges and universities upon students and others.
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.
Commencement
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
Beginning
That which is begun; a rudiment or element.
Commencement
An academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred
Beginning
That which begins or originates something; the source or first cause.
What was the beginning of the dispute?
Commencement
The act of starting something;
He was responsible for the beginning of negotiations
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.
Beginning
Present participle of begin
He is beginning to read a new book.
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
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.
Beginning
That which begins or originates something; the first cause; origin; source.
I am . . . the beginning and the ending.
Beginning
That which is begun; a rudiment or element.
Mighty things from small beginnings grow.
Beginning
Enterprise.
Beginning
The event consisting of the start of something;
The beginning of the war
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
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
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
Beginning
The act of starting something;
He was responsible for the beginning of negotiations
Beginning
Serving to begin;
The beginning canto of the poem
The first verse
Common Curiosities
What is the significance of a commencement?
Commencement ceremonies mark the completion of an academic program, celebrating students' achievements.
Are commencements celebrated worldwide?
Yes, commencements are celebrated worldwide, especially in academic institutions, albeit with cultural variations.
Can a beginning be formal?
While beginnings are often informal, they can also be formal, especially in the context of official ceremonies or launches.
Is commencement always related to academics?
While primarily academic, the term "commencement" can also refer to the formal start of any significant event or period.
Are commencements only for graduates?
Primarily for graduates, commencements may also involve faculty, families, and the broader academic community.
How does the context of a beginning affect its meaning?
The context of a beginning can vary widely, from personal milestones to the start of projects, influencing its significance and scope.
Can a beginning mark a negative event?
Yes, the term "beginning" is neutral and can mark both positive and negative events.
Do all commencements involve ceremonies?
While most commencements involve formal ceremonies, some may be more subdued or symbolic.
How does one's perspective influence the perception of a beginning?
One's perspective can greatly influence how a beginning is perceived, with optimism seeing potential and pessimism seeing challenges.
Are there symbolic elements in commencements?
Yes, commencements often include symbolic elements like caps, gowns, and diplomas to signify academic achievement.
Can the beginning of something be unplanned?
Yes, many beginnings occur spontaneously and may not be planned in advance.
Is a commencement a global tradition?
Commencement ceremonies have global recognition, though traditions and customs may vary.
How do personal beginnings differ from collective ones?
Personal beginnings are individual experiences, while collective ones involve shared experiences within a group.
Can the excitement of a beginning fade over time?
The initial excitement of a beginning can fade as reality and challenges emerge, but it can also lead to growth and learning.
How do cultural differences affect commencements and beginnings?
Cultural differences can shape the rituals, significance, and manner of celebrating commencements and observing beginnings, reflecting diverse values and traditions.
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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
Maham Liaqat
