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Definitions

origin

[awr-i-jin, or-] / ˈɔr ɪ dʒɪn, ˈɒr- /
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.

With diGenova, the man who created the case’s very origin story, they have their dream team in place.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

The exact origin of the fake manifesto is not known, but the BBC found a page that had shared it months before it appeared on Wales Network News.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Iranian ships also transfer oil from one ship to another at sea to conceal the origin of their cargo.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

JC: Tell us about the origin story of this space.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Scientists studying living organisms were far more preoccupied with other matters: embryology, cell biology, the origin of species, and evolution.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee

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