/kɔ.mɑ̃.se/
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Translation
to begin, to start
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Word origin
From Vulgar Latin cominitiare, a compound of com- (intensive) and initiare ('to begin'), from initium ('beginning'). The same root gave English 'commence' and 'initiate'.
- Origin
- Latin
- Root
- cominitiare
- English cognates
- commence, initiate, initial
Grammar
Conjugation
Regular -er conjugation. Pronouns: je, tu, il/elle, nous, vous, ils/elles.
Indicative
| Person | Present | Imperfect | Past historic | Future | Conditional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| je | commence | commençais | commençai | commencerai | commencerais |
| tu | commences | commençais | commenças | commenceras | commencerais |
| il/elle | commence | commençait | commença | commencera | commencerait |
| nous | commençons | commencions | commençâmes | commencerons | commencerions |
| vous | commencez | commenciez | commençâtes | commencerez | commenceriez |
| ils/elles | commencent | commençaient | commencèrent | commenceront | commenceraient |
Subjunctive
| Person | Present | Imperfect |
|---|---|---|
| je | commence | commençasse |
| tu | commences | commençasses |
| il/elle | commence | commençât |
| nous | commencions | commençassions |
| vous | commenciez | commençassiez |
| ils/elles | commencent | commençassent |
Imperative
| Person | Affirmative |
|---|---|
| tu | commence |
| nous | commençons |
| vous | commencez |
Non-finite
- Gerund / present participle
- commençant
- Past participle
- commencé · commencée · commencés · commencées
Examples
, .
We can start the meeting, everyone is here.
.
The film starts at eight.
, -.
The film starts in five minutes, let's hurry.
.
She decided to start learning the piano.
.
It all started with a simple exchange of looks.
Where this fits
Used in
Stories
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2 min read · Core 5000
Deux jours sans portable
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Le train manqué
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Le défi de Malik
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Le match et le concert
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Le premier jour de Clara
3 min read · Core 1000
Sauvons le lac de la cité
3 min read · Core 5000
Un samedi de pluie
3 min read · Core 5000
C'est plus logique
5 min read · Core 5000
Ceux qui ne mangent jamais
5 min read · Core 5000
Elle commence à comprendre
5 min read · Core 5000
Le parcours était mal fait
5 min read · Core 5000
Pas un mot avant dimanche
5 min read · Core 5000
Si j'avais su
5 min read · Core 5000
Un trou dans le graphique
5 min read · Core 5000
Elle sera remplacée
5 min read · Core 5000
Vingt minutes dans le noir
5 min read · Core 5000
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French · Free printables
commencer: worksheet, infographic and listicleThe padlock and Plus mark show a Kilo Lingo Plus feature. Start your free week to unlock it - no card needed.
Free printable study downloads for the French word "commencer" (to begin, to start): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free week (no card)This word is taught in chapter 4, lesson 12: commencer, salut, travailler and 5 more words.