Begynnelses

Begynnelses is a bound morpheme used in Norwegian to form compounds that refer to initiation, onset, or the beginning of something. It is not typically treated as a standalone word in modern usage; rather, begynnelses- functions as a stem attached to other nouns to signal relation to the start of a process or event.

Formation and usage

The morpheme begynnelses- attaches to nouns to create terms describing the start or initiation phase of a process. Examples commonly found in formal or technical language include begynnelsesdato (the date of commencement), begynnelsesfase (the initiation phase), and begynnelsesmekanisme (the mechanism of initiation). The choice of begynnelses- versus other prefixes or formulations depends on established terminology within a specific domain or document.

Context and register

Begynnelses- tends to appear in administrative, scientific, or bureaucratic writing, where precise sequencing and timing are important. In everyday speech, speakers more often use simpler expressions such as start or oppstart. The concept expressed by begynnelses- is closely related to initiation, onset, and commencement, and is often contrasted with terms that emphasize the duration or conclusion of a process.

Etymology

Begynnelses- derives from begynnelse (beginning) with the suffix or bound form used to create compound nouns that denote relation to the beginning. It reflects the same lexical family as the verb begynne (to begin).

See also

Begynnelse, start, oppstart, initiering, initiere, tidsplan.