starting pointˈstarting ˌpoint noun [countable usually singular] 
Examples
The article provides a starting point for discussion.2a place from where a journey starts
ExamplesEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
Thesaurus- Frye emphasized that his suggestions were just a starting point for discussion.
- As always, use this list as a starting point for your own selections.
- But these areas then become the starting point for further subdivision and countless small refinements conditioned by the eye alone.
- For many, bebop, because of its rhythmic instinct and rebellious style, was a verbal starting point.
- Privatization is simply the wrong starting point for a discussion of the role of government.
- The following recipes might serve as a useful starting point for those who want to try smoking game.
- The natural starting point was the Westminster system.
THESAURUSwhere something comes from► origin/origins
1an idea or situation from which a discussion, process etc can developstarting point for the place or situation in which something begins to exist: · the origins of the conflict in the Middle East· The book explains the origin of words.· Her disability is genetic in origin.
► source the thing, place etc that you get something from: · They get their money from various sources.· Beans are a good source of protein.
► root the rootof a problem is the main cause. The roots of something are the things that it was originally based on: · Allergies are at the root of a lot of health problems.· At the root of the crisis was a shortage of hard cash.· They want a return to the roots of Christianity.· Reggae has its roots in a range of different musical styles.
► the birthplace of something the place where something first started to exist: · New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz.· Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee
► the cradle of something the place where something important first started – used mainly in the following phrases: · Ancient Athens is considered to be the cradle of democracy.· Baghdad was the cradle of civilization.
► starting point an idea, suggestion etc from which a discussion, process, or project can develop: · His paper provided an excellent starting point for discussion.
Longman Language Activatorthe beginning of something► the beginning the first part of an event, period of time etc: the beginning of something: · I haven't seen her since the beginning of last year.· It was the beginning of a long friendship.· This fall's presidential election could mean the beginning of a new era in American politics.back to the beginning: · It's so long since I spoke German, I'd have to go right back to the beginning if I took a class in it now.
► start the beginning of something, or the way that something begins: the start of something: · The runners are now lining up for the start of the race.· Tomorrow marks the start of the presidential election campaign.· They had an exotic meal to celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year.a good/bad start to something: · A pint of vodka at eight o'clock in the morning was not a good start to the day.get off to a good/bad start: · If we get off to a good start this season, I think the team has a real chance to win the championship.
► origin the origin of something is where it came from or how it first started to exist: · AIDS became widespread in the 1980s, but no-one is certain of its origin.origin of: · He's writing a dictionary that explains the origin of words.· Hughes's book 'The Fatal Shore' is a study of the origins of Australia as a British penal colony.· Advanced computer systems could trace the origin of every gun used in a violent crime.have your/its origins in something: · Today's ceremony is a modern version of a tradition which has its origins in medieval times.country/place of origin: · The magazines were organized by country of origin.
► starting point the starting point of something is where it begins or develops from: · If you want to learn about working overseas, this book would be a good starting point.starting point for/of: · Duffy's difficult relationship with her mother was the starting point for her fiction.· The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand is seen as the starting point of the war.
► the onset the time when something begins, especially something unpleasant such as an illness: the onset of something: · Make sure to check your air conditioning before the onset of hot weather.· The onset of the Depression meant starvation and suffering for millions of people.· DiPietro's research shows that an active lifestyle can delay the onset of many diseases common with aging.
The article provides a starting point for discussion.2a place from where a journey starts