origins

Jump To:

cause, basis n.
beginning, inception n.
family, heritage n.

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.

See Examples For:

origins

The episode, which is titled “Burying the Hatchet” and aired in full Sunday, was a relatively chummy public reunion that dwelled little on the origins of their rift.

From Slate ● Aug. 24, 2026

“Liveforever” becomes Caicedo’s record of how Cali made salsa its own, capturing the origins of a musical mania so profound that it is still ingrained in the city today.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

The team analyzed 10 coating samples to determine the biological origins of the natural materials used on the vessel.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 21, 2026

Although other places, notably the Greek island of Chios, also lay claim to Homer's origins, ancient Smyrna and its hinterland -- where Bornova is located -- are closely associated with the poet.

From Barron's ● Aug. 17, 2026

In truth, Pearl had never had the courage to ask Mia directly about her origins, and Mia had deflected her roundabout questions with ease.

From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng