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start

To begin to happen or exist. / To begin an action or process. / To make a machine or engine begin to operate. / To make a sudden involuntary movement from surprise. / The point in time or space where something begins. / A sudden involuntary movement of the body.

Intransitive VerbTransitive Verb[C/U] Both

pl: starts

The word carries a dual energy: one of initiation and one of abruptness. When used for beginning an activity or process, it is neutral and versatile, applicable to everything from a casual conversation to the founding of a global corporation.

In contrast, when describing a physical movement, it implies a sharp, reflexive jerk. This nuance distinguishes "start" from "move"; a start is involuntary and triggered by external shock or alarm.

Compared to "begin," which can feel more formal or gradual, "start" often suggests a more decisive or mechanical trigger—like turning a key in an ignition or the sudden blast of a starter's pistol.

Countable when referring to a sudden jerk of the body from surprise ('He gave a start') or a specific beginning point ('a false start'). Uncountable when referring to the general act or moment of beginning something ('at the start of the movie').