Meaning & use

origin

noun·Academic

The point or source from which something begins, derives, or first develops.

See it in a sentence

The origin of the word remains uncertain despite years of research.

Scientists still debate several competing theories about the exact origin of the universe.

A note on using this word

'Origin' pairs naturally with 'of,' as in 'the origin of a tradition,' rather than 'origin from.'

Words with a similar meaning

sourceroot

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

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