originating

Originating is the present participle of originate and is used as both a verb form and an adjective. As a verb form, it denotes the act of beginning something, causing something to come into existence, or being the source of something else. As an adjective, it describes the source, starting point, or initial cause of a thing, for example, “the originating event” or “originating document.” The term emphasizes derivation from a source and can apply across contexts such as science, history, business, and law.

Etymology: Originating derives from originate, which in turn comes from Latin origin- meaning “beginning, source,” from oriri meaning “to rise.”

Legal usage: In several common-law jurisdictions, “originating process” or “originating application” refers to the documents that commence civil proceedings. Phrases like “originating summons” or “originating claim” indicate the initial filing that starts a case. In other legal contexts, “originating” is used to identify the source of evidence, data, or authority—e.g., the “originating source” of a document or the “originating jurisdiction” of a power or regulation.

Other uses: In research and manufacturing, one might refer to the “originating material” or “originating idea” to indicate the source or inception of something.

See also: origin, originate, origination.