originate
8 synonyms and 3 antonyms for originate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To come into existence, or to have a particular starting point.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
uprise
take shape
Antonyms
How to use originate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
originate from
originate in
originated the idea
Fairly formal — "come from" or "start" work fine in everyday speech.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin originatus, from origo, "beginning" — a later formal verb built directly on the noun "origin."
Full origin of originate →Frequently asked questions
What does “originate” mean?
The word “originate” means to come into existence, or to have a particular starting point. In plain terms, to start from somewhere, or to create something new.
How do you pronounce “originate”?
“Originate” is pronounced uh-RIHD-zhih-nayt (/əˈɹɪd͡ʒɪneɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “originate” in a sentence?
Here is “originate” used in a sentence: “The tradition originated in medieval France.”
What is another word for “originate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “originate” include initiate and take shape.
What is the opposite of “originate”?
The opposite of “originate” — its antonyms — are terminate, end and destinate.
What part of speech is “originate”?
“Originate” is a verb.
Where does the word “originate” come from?
The word “originate” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin originatus, from origo, "beginning" — a later formal verb built directly on the noun "origin.".
Is “originate” a common word?
“Originate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
