Word parts

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origin + -ate

Pronunciation

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Plain form
originate

Third-person singular
originates

Past tense
originated

Past participle
originated

Present participle
originating

  1. (intransitive) If a person or thing originates from something, they come from or are created by that thing.
    Most scientists believe modern humans originated in Africa about 200,000 years ago.
    The flight, which originated in Newark, ran into trouble about one hour after takeoff.
    The term "cap in hand" originated in England, during the Crimean War.
    Over 60% of the US company's revenues originate elsewhere.
  2. (transitive) If you originate something, you are the first to think of or it or to do it.
    George Takei, the actor who originated the role of Sulu on Star Trek, released a statement.
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