start vs finish vs end vs stop

Definitions

verb

1. play in the starting lineup
2. take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
3. bring into being
4. move or jump suddenly, as if in surprise or alarm
5. have a beginning, in a temporal, spatial, or evaluative sense

noun

1. the time at which something is supposed to begin
2. a signal to begin (as in a race)
3. a turn to be a starter (in a game at the beginning)
4. the beginning of anything
5. a line indicating the location of the start of a race or a game

Examples

In 1984, he started Oh Boy as an outlet for his songwriting.

When your bulbs arrive, or you buy them from the garden center, gather everyone together, hand out garden tools and start digging.

In her house apron and with her hair a little ruffled she looked younger, startled and then angry.

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Definitions

noun

1. (wine tasting) the taste of a wine on the back of the tongue (as it is swallowed)
2. designated event that concludes a contest (especially a race)
3. the act of finishing
4. a decorative texture or appearance of a surface (or the substance that gives it that appearance)
5. the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)

verb

1. finish eating all the food on one's plate or on the table
2. come or bring to a finish or an end
3. finally be or do something
4. have an end, in a temporal, spatial, or quantitative sense; either spatial or metaphorical
5. cause to finish a relationship with somebody

Examples

The finishing line may be in sight but the final lap is shaping up to be an epic battle.

Said hi also to a few of the guys from Aereogramme after they'd finished up, but wasn't actually sure of who was there from Chemikal Underground or what they look like, so I was basically floating around and looking glaikit until Mags pointed out the Newsnight crew, and the nice interviewer man figured out who I was.

You can't help thinking that the promise of that final inspection adds a little extra sparkle to the finished product.

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