commence
kuh-MENSverbMeaning to begin, especially in a formal way
Memory hook COMMENCEMENT: the day your new life BEGINS. Graduation is called commencement because it is a beginning, not an end. On that day, the graduates commence their grown-up lives.
The concert will commence at seven o’clock sharp.
In context Once the judge entered and everyone was seated, the trial could finally commence, three hours later than planned.
Similar begin, start, open, launch
Opposite end, finish, conclude
From Old French comencier, from Latin com- + initiare (to begin).