Originate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฑ
originate
[ษหrษชdสษชหneษชt ]
Definitions
in history
To originate means to come into existence; to begin. It can refer to the starting point of something, such as an idea, custom, or tradition.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| originate |
Often used in formal or technical contexts to indicate the original source or cause of something.
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| start |
Used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate the initiation of an action or process.
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| begin |
Used in everyday language to indicate the starting point of an action or event.
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| commence |
Commonly used in formal contexts, often in official or ceremonial situations.
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Examples of usage
- The tradition of exchanging gifts on Christmas Day originated in the 4th century.
- The idea for the new product originated from a brainstorming session.
in science
In science, to originate means to have a specific source or cause. It is often used in the context of diseases, where the origin of a disease is traced back to a particular virus or bacteria.
Synonyms
come from, derive from, stem from.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| originate |
Use in formal contexts to indicate the starting point or creation of something.
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| stem from |
Often used to describe the cause or origin of a problem or situation, generally in a more formal context.
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| derive from |
Used in more formal or academic contexts to show that something has developed from something else or has its roots in it.
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| come from |
Commonly used in casual conversations to indicate the source or place of something or someone.
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Examples of usage
- The outbreak of the virus originated in a seafood market in China.
- Researchers are trying to determine where the contamination originated from.
in art
In art, to originate can mean to create or produce something original and unique. It is often used to describe the birth of a new artistic movement or style.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| originate |
Originate is often used to describe the starting point or source of something, especially in a formal or technical context.
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| create |
Create is commonly used to describe the act of making something new or bringing something into existence, often in a creative or artistic context.
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| invent |
Invent is used when referring to the creation of something entirely new, especially something that has never existed before, often in a technical or technological context.
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| generate |
Generate is often used in technical, scientific, or business contexts to describe the production of something, particularly something that can be quantified.
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Examples of usage
- The artist's inspiration originated from nature and the beauty of the outdoors.
- The new design originated from a combination of different cultural influences.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, species can originate from a common ancestor, showing how new forms of life emerge over time.
- Geologists study where minerals and rocks originate to understand the Earth's history and formation.
Cultural Significance
- Traditions often originate from specific cultural practices that are passed down through generations.
- Different cuisines are said to originate from their geographical regions, reflecting local ingredients and customs.
Literature
- Many classic stories have original versions from ancient cultures, showing how storytelling evolves through time.
- Authors often discuss the origin of their ideas to reveal the personal experiences that inspired their works.
Technology
- The internet can trace its origins back to ARPANET, a project funded by the U.S. Department of Defense.
- Many modern programming languages originate from earlier formats, adapting and evolving over decades.
Origin of 'originate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'originare,' meaning 'to rise or begin.'
- In Latin, 'origo' means 'beginning' or 'source,' highlighting its roots in the idea of starting points.
The word 'originate' comes from the Latin word 'originatus', which means 'arisen' or 'begun'. It has been used in the English language since the 17th century. The concept of origination has always been of interest to philosophers, scientists, and historians, as it is tied to the fundamental question of how things come into being.
See also: origin, originality, originally, origination, originatively, originator, originators.