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.

And the census is still trying to figure out how to ask questions to sort out race, ethnicity and origins.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026

Despite the art form’s foreign origins, composers such as Antonín Dvořák, George Gershwin and Charles Ives have managed to convey our country’s spirit.

From The Wall Street Journal • 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

The framework also provides new information about the origins of Type Ia supernovae themselves.

From Science Daily • Jun. 29, 2026

“For that person may know something of your origins, as well.”

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood