commencement

n 1: the time at which something begins; "They got an early

start" [syn: {beginning}, {first}, {outset}, {start}, {kickoff},

{starting time}, {offset}] [ant: {middle}, {end}]

2: an academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred [syn: {commencement

exercise}, {commencement ceremony}, {graduation}, {graduation

exercise}]

3: the act of starting something; "he was responsible for the

beginning of negotiations" [syn: {beginning}, {start}]

[ant: {finish}]