Starting

Part of speech: verb, adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈstɑɹtɪŋ/

Definitions

1. The action of initiating a process or undertaking
2. The phase where the first step is taken in a series of actions or events
3. The act of initiating an action or project ; the early stage when something begins or is launched

Etymology: "Starting" is the present participle and gerund of "start," so it names both the ongoing act of setting off and the act of beginning something. "Start" comes from Middle English "sterten," meaning to leap up suddenly or rush out, which descends from Old English "styrtan," and the Proto-West Germanic root behind it meant "to startle, move, set in motion."

Synonyms: commencing, beginning, initiating, launching, kicking off

Antonyms: ending, finishing, concluding, terminating, ceasing