origin

• Nom désignant le point, la source ou le commencement d'où quelque chose surgit, débute ou provient.

A noun referring to the point, source, or beginning from which something arises, starts, or is derived.

1. Beginning or sourceB1formal

   The point or place where something begins, arises, or is derived.

   Origine (point de départ)

   • The origin of the river is in the mountains.
   • Scientists are studying the origin of the universe.
   • The word has its origin in Latin.

   Synonymesbeginningbirthcommencementderivationgenesisinceptionrootsourcestartstarting point

   Antonymesconclusioneffectendoutcomeresulttermination

2. Family backgroundB1formal

   A person's social, cultural, or ethnic background.

   Origine (milieu familial)

   • She is of Italian origin.
   • His origins are humble, but he became very successful.
   • The survey asked about the participants' ethnic origins.

   Synonymesancestrybackgrounddescentextractionheritagelineageparentagepedigree

3. B2formal

   The cause or reason for something.

   Cause ou raison

   • The origin of the conflict was a misunderstanding.
   • We need to trace the origin of the problem.
   • The origin of the rumor is unknown.

   Synonymesbasiscausefoundationreasonrootsource