incipiō
To start in Latin can be expressed as incipiō, ordior or initiō.
Meaning: to begin (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| incipiō | |
| ordior | [ˈoːr.di.ɔr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈɔr.di.or] (narrow) |
| initiō |
Which one should you use?
incipiō is the most common way to say 'to begin' and is used for starting a process, a speech or a series of events. In contrast, ordior often carries a connotation of setting out to do something, sometimes implying the start of a struggle, a task or a formal procedure.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form of incipiō is incipere.
Did you know?
- The verb initiō shares a root with 'initiation' rites, describing the start of a person's entry into a secret society or mystery cult.
- The word incipere is the source of the 'Incipit' marker found at the beginning of ancient manuscripts to indicate where the actual text starts.
- The word ordior is thought by some to be linked to the noun ōrdō, meaning 'order' or 'series', suggesting that starting something is akin to bringing order to chaos.
Examples in context
- Cur incipiō hunc librum tardē?Why am I starting this book late?
- Incipiō iter crastinā die.I am starting the journey tomorrow.
Example conversation
Lucius and Aurelia are preparing to study together.
- LuciusQuid agis, Aurelia?What are you doing, Aurelia?
- AureliaStudia mea incipiō.I am starting my studies.
- LuciusPossumne vobiscum studere?Can I study with you?
- AureliaIta, Luci, veni!Yes, Lucius, come!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “start” translations and entries ordior, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ordior, CC BY-SA 4.0.
