'begin' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'beginnan,' where 'be-' meant 'thoroughly' and 'ginnan' meant 'to open or cut.'

'beginnan' transformed into the Middle English word 'beginnen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'begin.'

Initially, it meant 'to open or cut,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to start or commence something.'