commencement

英 /kəˈmensmənt/ 　美 /kəˈmensmənt/

n. 开始；开端The beginning of something, especially an official activity
n. 毕业典礼（美式）A ceremony celebrating students completing their studies in the United States

We heard a whistle at the commencement of play.

比赛开始时，我们听到了一声哨响。

Environmental assessments should be completed before the commencement of construction to minimise potential damage to local ecosystems.

施工开始前应完成环境评估，以尽量减少对当地生态系统的潜在破坏。

搭配

the commencement of work 工作的开始a commencement date 开始日期a commencement ceremony 毕业典礼

表示“开始”较正式；美式英语中也指毕业典礼。

commence (v.)