intransitive verb began be·gan′, begun be·gun′, beginning be·gin′·ning

1. to start doing, acting, going, etc.; get under way
2. to come into being; arise
3. to have a first part or element the Bible begins with Genesis
4. to be or do in the slightest degree: used with an infinitive they don't begin to compare

Etymology: ME biginnen < OE beginnan; akin to Ger beginnen, Goth duginnan

transitive verb

1. to cause to start; set about; commence
2. to cause to come into being; originate
3. to be the first part or element of