originate

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb come into existence; take on form or shape
  2. verb bring into being
  3. verb begin a trip at a certain point, as of a plane, train, bus, etc.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin orīginātus, perfect passive participle of orīginō (“to begin, give rise to”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) for more), from orīgō (orīgin- in compounds) + -ō. Compare Italian originare and Spanish originar.

In classic literature

Synonyms

arise, rise, develop, uprise, spring up, grow

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