commencement
/kɔ.mɑ̃s.mɑ̃/
The English phrase commencement is translated into French as commencement.
The word refers to a graduation ceremony.
Meaning: graduation ceremony (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /kɔ.mɑ̃s.mɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- In French, the word commencement actually means a 'beginning' or 'start' rather than a graduation ceremony. If you use it to describe a graduation, a French speaker might think you are talking about the very start of the ceremony rather than the event itself.
- The formal term remise des diplômes used in France literally translates to 'the handing over of diplomas'. This shifts the focus from the 'beginning' of a career to the physical act of receiving the certificate.
- The suffix -ment in commencement is used in French to turn a verb into a noun, a pattern shared by many English words like 'arrangement'.
Examples in context
- Je suis impatient(e) d'assister à la cérémonie de remise des diplômes de mon frère.I am looking forward to attending my brother's commencement.
- Ton début dans la vie professionnelle est un moment important à célébrer.Your commencement into professional life is an important moment to celebrate.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are talking about their upcoming university event.
- LéaLe commencement est samedi prochain, Gabriel.The graduation ceremony is next Saturday, Gabriel.
- GabrielC'est vrai, je suis très impatient.That's true, I am very impatient.
- LéaTu penses que tes parents viendront au commencement ?Do you think your parents will come to the graduation ceremony?
- GabrielOui, ils ont déjà pris leurs billets.Yes, they have already bought their tickets.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry commencement, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
