Generate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈje-nə-ˌrāt/ gen·er·ate

Meaning & Definition of Generate

Generate (verb)

  1. to bring into existence
  2. procreate, beget
  3. to create by means of a defined process, produce

Generate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)

    "his rabble-rousing speech generated a lot of controversy among local taxpayers"

    similar: beget, breed, bring, bring about, bring on, catalyze, cause, create, do, draw on, effect, effectuate, engender, induce, invoke, make, occasion, produce, prompt, result (in), spawn, translate (into), work, yield, bring forth, give rise to
    related: conduce (to), contribute (to), decide, determine, begin, establish, father, found, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, set, set up, start, advance, cultivate, develop, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, enact, render, turn out
    near: impede, limit, restrict, clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, dampen, put down, quash, quell, repress, smother, squash, squelch, stifle, subdue, suppress, arrest, check, control, curb, inhibit, rein (in), restrain, retard, can (slang), kill, snuff (out), still, abolish, demolish, destroy, extinguish, liquidate, quench

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Generate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Generate:

beget, breed, bring, bring about, bring on, catalyze, cause, create, do, draw on, effect, effectuate, engender, induce, invoke, make, occasion, produce, prompt, result (in), spawn, translate (into), work, yield, bring forth, give rise to

Related Words for Generate

conduce (to), contribute (to), decide, determine, begin, establish, father, found, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, set, set up, start, advance, cultivate, develop, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, enact, render

Near Antonyms of Generate

impede, limit, restrict, clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, dampen, put down, quash, quell, repress, smother, squash, squelch, stifle, subdue, suppress, arrest, check, control, curb, inhibit, rein (in), restrain, retard, can, kill, snuff (out), still, abolish

Word Forms of Generate

Inflections: generated, generating, generates

Origin & Etymology of Generate

Latin generatus, past participle of generare, from gener-, genus descent, birth kin

First known use: 1509

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Generate

Words & Phrases Containing Generate

self-generate

Frequently Asked Questions about Generate

What does "Generate" mean?

"Generate" means to bring into existence. As a verb, it is defined as: to bring into existence.

What is another word for "Generate"?

Other words for "Generate" include beget, breed, bring, bring about, bring on, catalyze, cause and create. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Generate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Generate"?

There are 57 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Generate". Common alternatives include beget, breed, bring, bring about, bring on, catalyze, cause, create, do and draw on.

How do you use "Generate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Generate" in a sentence: "his rabble-rousing speech generated a lot of controversy among local taxpayers".

Is "Generate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Generate" is a verb.

Is "Generate" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Generate" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Generate"?

"Generate" is pronounced /ˈje-nə-ˌrāt/ and divided into syllables as gen·er·ate.

What is the origin of the word "Generate"?

"Generate" comes from Latin generatus, past participle of generare, from gener-, genus descent, birth kin. First known use: 1509.