C1verb2K

Originate

UK /["/əˈrɪdʒɪneɪt/","/əˈrɪdʒɪneɪts/","/əˈrɪdʒɪneɪtɪd/","/əˈrɪdʒɪneɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/əˈrɪdʒɪneɪt/","/əˈrɪdʒɪneɪts/","/əˈrɪdʒɪneɪtɪd/","/əˈrɪdʒɪneɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to happen or appear for the first time in a particular place or situation

In simple words: To come from a source or start at a place.

Examples

The disease is thought to have originated in the tropics.
The word originated as a marketing term.
Locke originated this theory in the 17th century.
His flight originated in Japan.
Flights originating out of Toronto should reach Edmonton without much problem.
28 trains now originate and terminate at Tambaram.
The call had originated from Jamaica/a cell phone.

Usage notes

Used in both academic and everyday contexts. Often refers to ideas, products, or cultures. Not typically used in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

originate + from + place

Memory hint

Think of 'origin' as where something starts, adding ‘ate’ for action.

Collocations

originate from
ideas that originate
to originate in
sources that originate

Synonyms

begin
start
arise
emanate
derive

Antonyms

finish
cease
end

Common mistakes

Confused with 'originated' when using different tenses.
Using 'originate' without indicating a source.
Misplacing 'from' in the sentence structure.