commencement

1. N-UNCOUNT The commencement of something is its beginning. 开始[正式]

All applicants should be at least 16 years of age at the commencement of this course. 所有申请人在本课程开始时应至少年满16岁。

2. N-VAR Commencement is a ceremony at a university, college, or high school at which students formally receive their degrees or diplomas. 毕业典礼[美国英语]

President Bush gave the commencement address today at the University of Notre Dame. 布什总统今天在巴黎圣母院大学发表了毕业典礼演说。