(~s)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
The ~ of an event or process is the first part of it.
This was also the ~ of her recording career...
Think of this as a new ~.
= start
? end
N-COUNT: usu sing
2.
The ~s of something are the signs or events which form the first part of it.
The discussions were the ~s of a dialogue with Moscow.
N-PLURAL: usu the N, oft N of n
3.
The ~ of a period of time is the time at which it starts.
The wedding will be at the ~ of March.
? end
N-SING: the N
4.
The ~ of a piece of written material is the first words or sentences of it.
...the question which was raised at the ~ of this chapter.
? end
N-COUNT: usu sing, oft N of n
5.
If you talk about the ~s of a person, company, or group, you are referring to their backgrounds or origins.
His views come from his own humble ~s.
N-PLURAL: usu with supp