commencement

com-mence-ment

noun

The formal beginning or start of an event, process, or period.

"The commencement of the new academic year is in September."

Thesaurus

Synonyms: beginning, start, showtime, outset, first, offset, starting time, kickoff, get-go, commencement ceremony, graduation exercise, graduation

Antonyms: end, ending, finish, finishing, middle