originate
[verb]
Synonyms:
- begin, arise, come, derive, emerge, result, rise, spring, start, stem
- introduce, bring about, create, formulate, generate, institute, launch, pioneer

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Related Words: derive (from), spring (from), stem (from)

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English Thesaurus: origin/origins, source, root, the birthplace of something, the cradle of something, ...

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

o‧rig‧i‧nate /əˈrɪdʒəneɪt, əˈrɪdʒɪneɪt/ verb
[Word Family: noun: origin, original, originality, originator; verb: originate; adverb: originally; adjective: original ≠ UNORIGINAL]

1. [intransitive always + adverb/preposition, not in progressive] formal to come from a particular place or start in a particular situation:
How did the plan originate?
originate from
A lot of our medicines originate from tropical plants.
originate in
Many Christmas traditions originated in Germany.
originate with
The idea originated with the ancient Greek philosophers.
originate as
The town originated as a small fishing port.

2. [transitive] to have the idea for something and start it:
The technique was originated by an Italian artist.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

originate
verb
1.
BAD: One of our teachers originates from Scotland.
GOOD: One of our teachers comes from Scotland.

Usage Note:
Originate is used in connection with things, ideas, customs etc (NOT people): 'No one really knows how the solar system originated.'
If you are born in and/or grow up in a particular place, town, country etc, you come from that place: 'Where does Agneta come from - Sweden or Norway?'

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2.
BAD: 'Alcohol', 'alcove' and 'sofa' originate in Arabic.
GOOD: 'Alcohol', 'alcove' and 'sofa' come from Arabic.

Usage Note:
Words that enter a language from other languages come from (or are derived from ) those languages: 'The name 'terrier' comes from the Latin word 'terra' meaning 'the earth'.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲

origin/origins 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 root of 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.
come from something to have developed from something that existed before:
The word origami comes from the Japanese ori (folding) and kami (paper).
Where did the idea for the book come from?
be based on something to use something else as the basis:
The film is based on a traditional Chinese story.
She later wrote a book based on her experiences in Africa.
originate to come from a particular place, group, or situation, especially one that existed a long time ago. Originate is more formal than come from:
The jewellery probably originates from Egypt.
Genes also tell us that native Americans originated from a small group of migrants who crossed the Bering land bridge from Siberia.
Christmas pudding is thought to have originated from a type of medieval porridge, which was made of meat, dried fruit, nuts, sugar and spices.
be founded on something to develop from an idea or belief:
Our system of government is founded on the principle of democracy.
derive from something/be derived from something to come from something, especially by means of a long or complicated process – often used about words coming from another language:
Much of the English language is derived from Latin.
Many drugs are derived from plants.
have its origins/roots in something to develop from something that existed long ago:
Halloween has its origins in an ancient Celtic festival.
Modern country and Western music has its roots in the folk songs of the rural south.
go back to something to come from a particular past time or event or from something that existed a long time ago:
Our friendship goes back to our freshman year in college.
The college goes back to the Middle Ages.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲