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

'beginnan' changed from Old English to 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'.