commencement
/kəˈmɛnsmənt/ noun C1- The first existence of anything; act or fact of commencing; the beginning. · The time of Henry VII nearly coincides with the commencement of what is termed modern history.
- The day when degrees are conferred by colleges and universities upon students and others.
- A graduation ceremony, from a school, college or university. Sometimes before the actual graduation.
Plural commencements
From the library
Review your life, Albert; although it is only just beginning, did a lovely summer’s day ever dawn with greater purity than has marked the commencement of your career?
Commencement was the next important happening.
It was consequently necessary to name some other period for the commencement of actual felicity; to have some other point on which her wishes and hopes might be fixed, and by again enjoying the pleasure of anticipation, console herself for the present, and prepare for another disappointment.
Gardiner, which at once delayed its commencement and curtailed its extent.
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