commencement
noun C1
Plain meaning
the beginning of something, or a graduation ceremony
Exam-register meaning
In academic or exam contexts, it means the beginning of something, or a graduation ceremony, usually in a more formal register.
In context
naturalThe article mentioned commencement as one of the main issues.
examThe author examines commencement in relation to social change, public policy, and institutional responsibility.
Common collocations
a clear commencementevidence of commencementwidespread commencement
Watch out
Do not use “commencement” as a vague high-level replacement; make sure the sentence really needs this specific noun.