B2verb1K

Generate

UK /["/ˈdʒenəreɪt/","/ˈdʒenəreɪts/","/ˈdʒenəreɪtɪd/","/ˈdʒenəreɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈdʒenəreɪt/","/ˈdʒenəreɪts/","/ˈdʒenəreɪtɪd/","/ˈdʒenəreɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to produce energy, especially electricity

In simple words: to make or produce something

Examples

  • The wind turbines are used to **generate electricity**.
  • to generate heat/power
  • Living cells generate energy from food.
  • to **generate revenue/income/profit**
  • We need someone to generate new ideas.
  • The proposal has **generated **a lot of **interest**.
  • The lottery is expected to generate substantial funds for charities.
  • People used to believe that dirt spontaneously generated disease.
  • a sequence of randomly generated fractions
  • We generated 10 data sets, which we used to run each of the models.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts, it is often used in technical or creative discussions. Avoid using it in very casual conversations unless referring to ideas or concepts.

Grammar pattern

generate + object

Memory hint

Imagine a giant generator producing new ideas like a factory.

Collocations

  • quickly
  • automatically
  • spontaneously
  • help (to)
  • be used to
  • be expected to
  • from

Synonyms

  • produce
  • create
  • develop
  • formulate
  • construct

Antonyms

  • destroy
  • terminate

Common mistakes

  • Using 'generate' without an object (e.g. saying 'I will generate' instead of 'I will generate a report').
  • Confusing 'generate' with 'create' when the context involves a physical product.
  • Thinking 'generate' can only apply to technology, while it can also refer to ideas.