begin

Compared meaning: to begin doing something (verb).

比较义项：开始（动词）。

• begin 本词

  Neutral, all-purpose word for beginning, used in both formal and everyday English; often describes something coming into existence or a story or relationship starting.

  中性、通用的“开始”一词，正式和日常英语中都可以使用；常用来描述某事物开始存在，或故事、关系的开端。

  Their friendship began the day they met at summer camp.

  他们的友谊在夏令营相遇的那天开始了。

• start

  The most common, everyday word; the only one of the three naturally used for machines, engines, journeys or physical actions beginning to work or move.

  三者中最常用、最口语化的词；也是唯一能自然用于机器、引擎、旅程等开始运转或开始移动的词。

  He turned the key twice before the old engine finally started.

  他把钥匙转了两次，那台旧引擎才终于发动起来。

• commence

  A formal, official word typical of ceremonies, legal proceedings or written announcements; sounds stiff or out of place in casual spoken conversation.

  正式、公文式的词，常见于典礼、法律程序或书面公告；用在日常口语对话中会显得生硬、不自然。

  The annual shareholders' meeting will commence promptly at nine o'clock.

  年度股东大会将于九点准时开始。

Begin, start, and commence all mean to begin something. Begin is neutral and general, fitting stories or relationships. Start is the everyday word, used for machines or journeys. Commence is formal, used in ceremonies or legal writing. Start's 'sudden jerk' meaning is not compared.

begin、start 和 commence 在“开始”这个意思上很接近，但正式程度和使用场合不同：commence 最正式，start 最口语化，begin 居中且用途最广。这里不比较 start 表示“（因惊吓而）猛地一动”的用法。