beginnings

beginnings — noun

1. the first stages of something while it is only starting to take shape.

1.名詞B1
釋義

the first stages of something while it is only starting to take shape.

例句

The quiet beginnings of the club were just six neighbors in Noa's kitchen.

the beginnings of + group or project

Yan smiled at the beginnings of spring as green leaves returned.

the beginnings of a season becoming visible

同義詞
  • start

    more direct and common, but less focused on an unfolding early stage

  • opening stage

    more formal and often used in reports or planned activities

  • first phase

    used when a process is seen in clear steps

反義詞
  • ending

    focuses on the final part instead of the first part

  • final stage

    used when something is near completion rather than just starting

文法句型

the beginnings of + noun phrase

show the beginnings of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Often used for a project, season, relationship, or visible change that has only just started. Distinguish it from sense 2, which focuses on where something came from rather than on its first stage.

常見錯誤

❌We saw the beginning signs of autumn in the park.
✅We saw the beginnings of autumn in the park.
💡with this plural noun, English usually uses 'the beginnings of' before the thing that is starting to appear.

2. the earlier source or background from which something later developed.

2.名詞B2
釋義

the earlier source or background from which something later developed.

例句

The museum exhibit explained the beginnings of jazz with old photos and records.

the beginnings of + field or art form

Mayumi traced her family's beginnings to a fishing village near Kobe.

trace beginnings to + place

同義詞
  • origin

    the closest single-word match, especially for source or first cause

  • roots

    more informal and often used for family, culture, or ideas

  • source

    broader and can refer to a cause, place, or provider

反義詞
  • result

    focuses on what comes out at the end rather than where it started

  • outcome

    used for the final effect or conclusion

文法句型

trace the beginnings of + noun phrase

study the beginnings of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Usually used when people explain roots, causes, or historical background. Distinguish it from sense 1, which is about an early stage you can see developing in front of you.

常見錯誤

❌The book explains the beginnings stage of the internet.
✅The book explains the beginnings of the internet.
💡this sense normally takes an 'of' phrase after 'beginnings' rather than another noun before it.