Search Dictionary
Definition of originate

originate

/əˈrɪdʒ.ɪ.neɪt/
o · rig · i · nate
Adverb:originally
•
Adjective:original
•
Past Simple:originated
•
Past Participle:originated
•
Present Participle:originating
JUMP TO:

originate Lexical Profile

originate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To have a specified beginning, source, or derivation; to come into existence.

Example

"Many modern scientific terms originate from Ancient Greek and Latin roots."

2

To create, initiate, or be the inventor or author of something new.

Example

"The research team worked together to originate a new method for recycling industrial plastics."

3

To begin a journey or scheduled route at a specified station, airport, or port (of a train, flight, or other transport).

Example

"This express train originates in Edinburgh and stops at several major stations on its way to London."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for originate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for originate

• Nearby Words

originalist
originality
originally
originate
origination
originator
orinoco

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-17th century as a back-formation from 'origination', which derives from the Latin 'originatio' (a beginning or source), ultimately from the verb 'oriri' meaning 'to rise'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Originate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/originate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.