origins

NOUN

cause, basis

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ancestor ancestry connection element influence motive provenance root source

STRONG

agent antecedent author base causality causation creator derivation determinant egg embryo fountain generator germ impulse inception inducement inspiration mainspring nucleus occasion parent parentage principle producer progenitor provenience roots seed spring stock well wellspring

WEAK

horse's mouth

Antonyms

STRONG

conclusion effect end ending result

WEAK

close completion consequence death destiny finale goal outcome outgrowth termination

NOUN

beginning, inception

Synonyms

STRONGEST

birth genesis

STRONG

alpha commencement creation dawn dawning embarkation emergence entrance entry forging foundation inauguration ingress initiation introduction launch nativity opener origination outbreak outset rise start

WEAK

blast off day one early stage git go square one starting point

Antonyms

STRONGEST

conclusion end finish

STRONG

close completion death ending exit stop

WEAK

consequence destiny effect finale goal outcome outgrowth result termination

NOUN

family, heritage

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ancestry birth descent lineage

STRONG

beginnings blood extraction maternity parentage paternity pedigree stock

Antonyms

WEAK

close completion conclusion consequence death destiny effect end finale goal outcome outgrowth result termination

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The origins of the altered structure date to 2023, when McKinsey’s senior partners met in Seoul to discuss how the firm should operate going forward.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

The Forest Service reports the herd’s origins are unknown, noting it may be linked to mustang drives between Owens Valley and Nevada.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2026

Another newly formed PAC with mysterious origins, the Mile High Accountability Project, has spent $350,000 supporting DeGette and attacking Kiros.

From Salon • Jun. 30, 2026

As scientists apply this technique to archaeological sites around the world, it could help answer long-standing questions about the origins and evolution of one of the most transformative technologies in human history.

From Science Daily • Jun. 24, 2026

Of the approximately nine world centers of agricultural origins that we discussed in Chapter 5, New Guinea remained the one with by far the smallest population.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond