Originate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ə-ˈri-jə-ˌnāt/ orig·i·nate

Meaning & Definition of Originate

Originate (verb)

  1. to take or have origin, begin
  2. to give rise to, initiate

Originate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to come into existence

    "the theory of relativity originated with Albert Einstein"

    similar: actualize, appear, arise, begin, break, commence, dawn, engender, form, materialize, set in, spring, start
    related: be, breathe, exist, live, subsist, arrive, come on, emerge, coalesce, cohere, shape (up), continue, endure, last, persist, survive
    opposite: cease, end, stop
    near: conclude, desist, discontinue, finish, halt, quit, terminate, disappear, dissolve, evaporate, vanish, depart, die, expire, pass away, perish

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Originate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Originate:

actualize, appear, arise, begin, break, commence, dawn, engender, form, materialize, set in, spring, start

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Originate

Words with the opposite meaning of Originate:

cease, end, stop

Related Words for Originate

be, breathe, exist, live, subsist, arrive, come on, emerge, coalesce, cohere, shape (up), continue, endure, last, persist, survive

Near Antonyms of Originate

conclude, desist, discontinue, finish, halt, quit, terminate, disappear, dissolve, evaporate, vanish, depart, die, expire, pass away, perish

Word Forms of Originate

Inflections: originated, originating

Derived words: origination (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Originate

First known use: 1668t

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Originate

Words & Phrases Containing Originate

originate with

Frequently Asked Questions about Originate

What does "Originate" mean?

"Originate" means to take or have origin, begin. As a verb, it is defined as: to take or have origin, begin.

What is another word for "Originate"?

Other words for "Originate" include actualize, appear, arise, begin, break, commence, dawn and engender. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Originate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Originate"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Originate". Common alternatives include actualize, appear, arise, begin, break, commence, dawn, engender, form and materialize.

What is the opposite of "Originate"?

Antonyms of "Originate" include cease, end and stop. Near antonyms include conclude, desist, discontinue and finish.

How do you use "Originate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Originate" in a sentence: "the theory of relativity originated with Albert Einstein".

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

"Originate" is a verb.

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

As a C1-level word, "Originate" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Originate"?

"Originate" is pronounced /ə-ˈri-jə-ˌnāt/ and divided into syllables as orig·i·nate.