commence, begin
始 centers on the point where something starts: commencing an action or beginning a process.
始 combines 女 (woman) with 台, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of beginning or starting. The exact historical development of the components is uncertain.
A woman 女 begins something new beside a platform 台, like starting a project on a workbench.
For シ, imagine a woman beginning to sew a new dress: she -> シ, and the first stitch starts the garment.
to start; to begin; to commence; to initiate; to originate
start; commencement; beginning; initiation
to begin; to start; to commence
beginning; start; outset; opening
origin; beginning; start
management; dealing with; settlement; cleaning up; disposal
starting (a machine, engine, etc.)
beginning and end
origin; beginning; genesis
year-end and New Year holidays (e.g. from December 29 to January 3)
first departure (of the day); first train; first bus
creation; founding; initiating
start of work; commencement; opening
beginning of the year; new year
settlement (of a matter); sorting out; winding up (affairs); dealing with the aftermath
full particulars; all the details; the whole story; everything (about); from beginning to end
outset; start; beginning
restarting (a machine, engine, project, etc.); resuming
continuously; from beginning to end; from first to last
founder; originator; pioneer