Originate: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in formal or technical contexts to indicate the original source or cause of something.

• The disease is thought to originate in Africa.
• The project idea originated from a brainstorming session.

Used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate the initiation of an action or process.

• They decided to start a new business.
• He started running every morning to stay fit.

Used in everyday language to indicate the starting point of an action or event.

• The movie will begin at 7 PM.
• She began her career in marketing.

Commonly used in formal contexts, often in official or ceremonial situations.

• The graduation ceremony will commence at 10 AM.
• Construction of the new bridge is set to commence next month.

Use in formal contexts to indicate the starting point or creation of something.

• The idea originated from a suggestion at the meeting
• This ancient practice originates from early civilizations

Often used to describe the cause or origin of a problem or situation, generally in a more formal context.

• The economic crisis stems from poor financial decisions
• Their arguments often stem from misunderstandings

Used in more formal or academic contexts to show that something has developed from something else or has its roots in it.

• This word derives from Latin
• Her inspiration derives from natural landscapes

Commonly used in casual conversations to indicate the source or place of something or someone.

• She comes from a small town in Italy
• This delicious recipe comes from my grandmother

Originate is often used to describe the starting point or source of something, especially in a formal or technical context.

• The tradition originated in ancient Greece.
• The river originates in the mountains.

Create is commonly used to describe the act of making something new or bringing something into existence, often in a creative or artistic context.

• She created a beautiful painting.
• The company created a new product.

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.

• Thomas Edison invented the light bulb.
• She invented a new tool for gardening.

Generate is often used in technical, scientific, or business contexts to describe the production of something, particularly something that can be quantified.

• The power plant generates electricity.
• The marketing campaign generated a lot of interest.