Started
ˈstɑːrtɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo begin doing something; to take the first step in an activity or process.
ˈstɑːrtɪd
To begin or initiate something.
The concert started at 8 PM.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to play a game. 'Started' means you pressed the start button and the game is now happening! Like when you started reading this definition.
👶 For kids: When you start something, it means you begin doing it! Like when you start a new drawing.
More Examples
She started learning to play the guitar last year.
He started his own business.
Once I started, I couldn't stop reading.
How It's Used
"He started the car."
"The company started a new marketing campaign."
To move or act before others; to initiate movement or action.
ˈstɑːrtɪd
To be the first to move or act.
The dog started chasing the ball.
💡 Simply: 'Started' can also mean to be the first one to do something. Like, when someone says the first word in a conversation or goes first in a game.
👶 For kids: When you start doing something, it means you are the first person to do it. Like being the first person to ride your bike.
More Examples
He started running as soon as the gun went off.
The alarm started buzzing.
They started clapping as soon as the performance ended.
How It's Used
"The runner started the race with a quick burst of speed."
"She started the conversation by asking about his day."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Middle English starten, derived from Old English *steortian (“to move suddenly, spring, rush”), from Proto-Germanic *stertijaną (“to jump, spring”), from Proto-Indo-European *stert- (“to be stiff, rigid”). Related to start.
The word 'start' has been in use since the early 14th century, evolving from the Old English 'steortian'. Initially, it carried a sense of sudden movement.
Memory tip
Think of the starting line of a race; it's where you begin.
Word Origin
"to move suddenly, spring, rush"