Originate

Originate is a verb that denotes beginning or coming into existence, as well as initiating the cause of something. It can describe something that arises naturally or has its source in a place, person, or idea. Uses include phrases like “originate in,” “originate from,” and “originate with,” which can indicate location of origin or the source of a thought, tradition, event, or object. The term can also mean to create or initiate something, such as a plan, program, or policy.

Etymology and background show that originate comes from the Latin origin, origo, meaning origin or beginning, from oriri, to rise. The English verb originated in the early modern period, influenced by Old French originer and related forms. The noun form origin and the noun origination share the same root, reflecting the core sense of a starting point or source.

Usage notes and nuances

- Intransitive use: The idea originated in her mind. The river originated in the mountains.

- Transitive use: The committee originated a new fundraising program. In many contexts, speakers prefer “originate” with the sense of creating or initiating, rather than simply deriving.

- In describing source, both originate in and originate from are common, with slight nuance: originate in emphasizes internal source or cause, while originate from traces external provenance.

Related forms include origin (noun), origination (the act of originating), originated/originating (past and present participles), and the adjectives original, originality.