Originate/əˈrɪdʒɪneɪt/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/2Starting Point Use 'originate' to describe the starting point of ideas or movements. His entrepreneurial spirit originated during his college years. Pro Tip 2/2Abstract Beginnings 'Originate' is often used for non-physical beginnings, like concepts. Democracy is thought to have originated in ancient Greece.