Word of the Day & Vocabulary logo

originate

/əˈɹɪdʒɪneɪt/verb

To begin, or to come from a particular place, time, or source.

Example sentences

  • “The tradition of the marathon originated in ancient Greece.”
  • “The fire originated in the kitchen of the restaurant.”
  • “Many English words originate from Latin.”

Usually followed by 'in' or 'from': the custom originated in France. The noun is 'origin'.

Synonyms for originate

  • begin
  • start
  • arise
  • stem
  • come from

Related words