'beginning' originates from Old English, specifically the verb 'beginnan', where the prefix 'be-' was used and 'ginnan' meant 'to open; to begin'.

'beginning' developed via Middle English forms such as 'begynnynge' (from the present participle or gerund of 'beginnan') and eventually became the modern English noun 'beginning'.

Initially it referred to 'the act of beginning' (the action of starting), and over time it broadened to mean 'the first part, origin, or earliest stage' of something.