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start · verb I or T /stɑːt/Full view
Nouns: start, starter, non-starter
Verbs: start, restart
start (BEGIN)
A1 to begin doing something
Dictionary examples:

When do you start your course/your new job?

We'll be starting (the class) at six o'clock.

Can you start on Monday?

They started building the house in January.

I'd just started to write a letter when the phone rang.

The speaker started with a description of her journey to China.

You could start by cleaning the kitchen.

He started his working life as an engineer but later became a teacher.

Learner example:

Dear Ramesh, I start my class at 9:30 am. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Portuguese)

start (MAKE HAPPEN)
B1 to begin to happen or to make something begin to happen
Dictionary examples:

A new series of wildlife programmes has started on Monday evenings.

Police believe the fire was started by arsonists.

Learner example:

The Council has started another programme as well which calls people to collect the rubbish in their own street one weekend in every month. (First Certificate in English; B2; Hungarian)

start (BUSINESS)
B2 If a business or other organization starts, or if someone starts one, it is created and starts to operate.
Dictionary examples:

She started her own software company.

A lot of new restaurants have started up in the region.

Learner example:

It was the first time in many years he had the opportunity or time to think over his situation and life. He had started his company fifteen years ago and had been successful. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

start (SWITCH ON)
B2 If you start a machine or an engine, you switch it on, and if a machine or engine starts, it begins to work.
Dictionary examples:

The car wouldn't start.

Do you know how to start the lawn mower?

Learner example:

The car would not start and it was impossible to get a taxi because it was Saturday evening, so the only thing we could do was to run all the way to the school. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

to start with
B2 used before saying the first thing in a list of things
Dictionary example:

To start with, we need better computers. Then we need more training.

Learner example:

There is some information I should tell you about. To start with, the T.V repairman didn't come on Wednesday morning as expected. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

start (sth) off or start off(sth)
B1 to begin by doing something, or to make something begin by doing something
Dictionary examples:

She started off the meeting with the monthly sales report.

I'd like to start off by thanking you all for coming today.

Learner example:

We started off the trip by driving to the foot of the mountain, where there was a village. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Chinese)

start out
C1 to begin your life, or the part of your life when you work, in a particular way
Dictionary example:

My dad started out as a sales assistant in a shop.

Learner example:

She is a beautiful, talented wom[a]n who started out as a small actress in her own country, climbing up to become the fully-recognized celebrity that she is now. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Spanish)

start · noun /stɑːt/
Nouns: start, starter, non-starter
Verbs: start, restart
start (BEGINNING)
B1 C usually no plural the beginning of something
Dictionary examples:

We were doubtful about the product's usefulness from the start.

They announced the start of a new commercial venture.

The weather was good at the start of the week.

The event got off to a shaky/poor start with the stage lights failing in the first few minutes.

Learner example:

That was a bad start [to] my holidays! (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

from start to finish
C1 from the beginning of something to its end
Dictionary example:

I enjoyed the film from start to finish.

Learner example:

I found out that the service itself should last at least one and half hour[s] from start to finish. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; French)

make a start
C2 to begin doing something
Dictionary example:

We need to make a start on (preparing) the brochure next week.

start (ADVANTAGE)
C2 C an advantage that you have over someone else when you begin something
Dictionary example:

I'm grateful for the start I had in life.

Learner example:

With a better start in life these children will be less likely to end up on the street again. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

for a start
C1 used when you are giving the first in a list of reasons or things
Dictionary example:

I won't be going - I've got too much homework for a start.

Learner example:

So this creates an awareness of the obligation to look after oneself for a start. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

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