commencement
kuh-MENS-munt
/kəˈmɛns.mənt/
A graduation ceremony where degrees or diplomas are conferred, or the formal act of beginning something.
Refers specifically to the formal graduation ceremony itself; paradoxically, it marks the completion of studies while literally meaning 'a beginning'.
The story behind the word. From Old French comencement and Latin com- alongside initiare, meaning to initiate or begin. It entered English in the 14th century to denote the formal beginning of academic status when scholars were admitted to a university degree.
Word relationships
- graduation: Graduation is the overall completion of a degree program, whereas commencement refers specifically to the formal ritual ceremony.
- conclusion: Conclusion marks a final end, whereas commencement focuses on starting a new stage.
Commonly confused with
- completion: Completion means finishing a task, while commencement is the formal ceremony celebrating a new start.
Word family
- commence (verb): To begin or start.
Collocations
- commencement ceremony
- commencement speaker
- commencement address
Idioms & expressions
- a new commencement
Example sentences
- "The university chancellor delivered an inspiring address during the spring commencement ceremony." Formal announcement
- "At commencement, we celebrate not an end, but the commencement of life's real work." Ceremonial speech
Memory hook
Think of commence — at commencement, you commence your future career! Commence your next step.
When not to use
Do not use for informal party celebrations or casual social gatherings.
Fun facts
- The word paradoxically means 'beginning' even though students attend it when finishing school.
Related words
Explore more words
valedictory, initiation, solemnize, ritual, ceremonial, procession
Also appears in
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