Emanate from Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Source Often used metaphorically to describe non-physical origins. The rumor seemed to emanate from social media. Pro Tip 2/3Identifying Origins Use it to specify the starting point or cause of something. The policy changes emanated from the new law. Pro Tip 3/3Impersonal Feeling Can imply an impersonal or diffuse starting point. An air of mystery emanated from the abandoned mansion.