Phrase guide

get started

verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To begin an activity.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

Examples

  • Come on guys, settle down, it's time to get started

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To begin (an activity or event); to get something to start.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • Get the car started and then we can set off.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To cause (someone) to start talking about something in length.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

start to be active

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • Get cracking, please!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: get cracking, bestir oneself, get going, get moving, get weaving, get rolling

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: get down, begin, get, start out, start, set about, set out, commence

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: aloittaa — cause someone to start talking in length
  • French: lancer — cause someone to start talking in length
  • Portuguese: começar — cause someone to start talking in length
  • Spanish: dar cuerda — cause someone to start talking in length
  • Spanish: poner en marcha — (''transitive'') to begin