1
as in sources
a point or place at which something is invented or provided
the origins of human language remain a matter of considerable debate
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2
as in roots
the source from which something grows or develops
the origin of the tradition of giving presents at Christmastime
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3
as in lineages
the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended
they could trace their origins back 15 generations
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Recent Examples of origins
The stones’ distant origins have led Parker Pearson and his colleagues to believe that Stonehenge’s second phase of construction was meant to bring Britain together.
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Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024
The origins of both Hanukkah and Christmas offer insights into their modern-day significance.
—Priscilla Whitehead, Sun Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
While these parallels are compelling, the distinct origins and messages of the holidays are equally meaningful.
—Priscilla Whitehead, Sun Sentinel, 24 Dec. 2024
The researchers will continue studying the site to learn more about its origins.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Dec. 2024
Here, in their own words, highlights from four separate conversations with Chris Robinson, Rich Robinson, Jay Joyce and Lainey Wilson revisit the album in six parts, examining its origins, the band’s reformation, punk roots, recording of the record, the resulting songs and what’s next.
—Jim Ryan, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
The origins of this controversy date back to 2020, when researchers working with the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) experiment detected unusual behavior in neutrinos—tiny, nearly massless particles that rarely interact with matter.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
In a letter to Congressman Chris Smith last week, Herd proposed deploying an advanced tracking technology to identify and assess the drones' origins and ownership.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Concerns about privacy, national security and government transparency have escalated, with local officials like Herd seeking clearer explanations about the origins and purposes of these aerial operations.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near origins
Cite this Entry
“Origins.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/origins. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.
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