'commencement' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'comencement', which came from Old French 'comencement' (from verb 'comencer'), ultimately influenced by Latin elements related to 'initium' (beginning).

'commencement' changed from Old French 'comencement' and Middle English 'comencement' and eventually became the modern English word 'commencement' with the same basic form.

Initially it meant 'the act of beginning' or 'the outset'; over time it retained that core meaning but also developed the additional sense of a formal 'graduation ceremony' in modern usage.