How to pronounce originate
Say it like uh-RIJ-uh-nayt. Originate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RIJ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce originate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- RIJ
- uh
- nayt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Originate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RIJSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- naytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of originate
American and British speakers say originate in essentially the same way: /əˈrɪdʒəˌneɪt/ in the US and /əˈrɪdʒɪˌneɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-RIJ-ih-nayt.
What does originate mean?
- To cause (someone or something) to be; to bring (someone or something) into existence; to produce or initiate a person or thing.“Einstein originated the theory of relativity.”
- To come into existence; to have origin or beginning; to spring, be derived (from, with).“The scheme originated with the governor and council.”
Where does originate come from?
From Medieval Latin orīginātus, perfect passive participle of orīginō (“to begin, give rise to”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) for more), from orīgō (orīgin- in compounds) + -ō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying originate
How do you pronounce originate?
Say uh-RIJ-uh-nayt. The American pronunciation is /əˈrɪdʒəˌneɪt/. In British English it is /əˈrɪdʒɪˌneɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in originate?
Originate has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RIJ). Broken into parts: uh · RIJ · uh · nayt.
Do Americans and Brits say originate the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈrɪdʒəˌneɪt/ and the British form is /əˈrɪdʒɪˌneɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.