v. be the first item or point, constitute the beginning or start, come first in a seriesv. begin an event that is implied and limited by the nature or inherent function of the direct objectv. begin to speak or sayv. have a beginning, of a temporal eventv. have a beginning, in a temporal, spatial, or evaluative sensev. begin to speak, understand, read, and write a languagen. Israeli statesman (born in Russia) who (as prime minister of Israel) negotiated a peace treaty with Anwar Sadat (then the president of Egypt) (1913-1992)v. set in motion, cause to startv. have a beginning characterized in some specified wayv. achieve or accomplish in the least degree, usually used in the negativev. take the first step or steps in carrying out an action