origin

originnoun

An origin is the point where something begins, whether it is a thing, an idea, or a person's family.

1. starting pointthe point, place, or cause from which something starts or comes

   countable [C]

   • Scientists are still studying the origin of the universe.
   • The word has its origin in Latin.
   • No one knows the exact origin of the story.
   • They traced the fire back to its origin in the kitchen.

   Collocations

   noun + preposition origin of, origin in

   adjective + noun exact origin, true origin, unknown origin

   verb + noun trace the origin, have its origin

2. family backgroundthe country, race, or social class that a person's family comes from

   countable [C] usually plural [usu pl]

   • She is proud of her family's origins.
   • He comes from working-class origins.
   • People of many different origins live in the city.
   • Her name reflects her Italian origins.

   Collocations

   adjective + noun humble origins, working-class origins, ethnic origin

   noun + preposition origin of