origin

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "origin" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the source or beginning of something, usually in the context of a story, event, or idea. For example, "She traced the origin of the tradition back to the 1800s".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Proportion of delistings (by % of requests and URLs, each according to nation of origin) for which the original publisher or the relevant data protection authority participated in the decision.

The Guardian - Tech

Anelay said: "The government believes the most effective way to prevent refugees and migrants attempting this dangerous crossing is to focus our attention on countries of origin and transit, as well as taking steps to fight the people smugglers who wilfully put lives at risk by packing migrants into unseaworthy boats".

The Guardian

Source (e.g., professional media, social media, official public records) of material for delisted URLs by % and nation of origin (with top 5-10 sofrces of URLs in each category).

The Guardian - Tech

Reasons for grant of delisting (by % of requests and URLs, each according to nation of origin).

The Guardian - Tech

The university – where a quarter of undergraduates are of east Asian origin – was accused of racial stereotyping by some students.

The Guardian

Born into a Birmingham family of Irish origin and Labour activism, Loretta studied history at Sussex University, graduating in 1979.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The rage only intensified when it became known that the killer was Mohamed Merah, a young French citizen of Algerian origin.

The Guardian

Ultimately the most sustainable way of decreasing demand for the boats is to curb repression in countries like Eritrea, and end wars in countries of transit or origin like Libya and Syria.

The Guardian

Asim Umar, the leader of the new al-Qaida affiliate on the sub-continent, has repeatedly indicated an interest in attacking India, leading some to suggest he is of Indian origin.

The Guardian

"We needed to find a partner who would enable us to set up a robust and transparent supply chain, would be able to constantly innovate in a rapidly developing product category, provide great quality products with the best available packaging solution, and be flexible enough to work with our coffees, which are sourced directly from our partners at origin.

The Guardian

But the UNHCR notes that those in the three main nations of origin – Syria, Eritrea and Somalia – are escaping conflict and rampant rights abuses.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "origin" to trace the development and evolution of ideas, traditions, or events.

Common error

Avoid using "original" when you mean "origin". "Origin" refers to the beginning or source, while "original" means new or unique. For example, say "the origin of the story" not "the original of the story".

Linguistic Context

The noun "origin" primarily functions as a subject or object in a sentence, denoting the commencement, cause, or ancestry of something. Ludwig AI indicates that the word follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Travel

5%

Lifestyle

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun "origin" is a versatile term used to denote the beginning, source, or ancestry of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It frequently appears in news articles and scientific discourse, serving the purpose of providing background information and clarifying the derivation of subjects or events. While alternatives like "source" and "beginning" exist, "origin" maintains a unique connotation related to tracing the roots and initial stages of development. To ensure proper usage, remember that "origin" is distinct from "original", and specificity is key when discussing the origins of anything.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

source

Focuses on the point from which something comes.

beginning

Emphasizes the start or commencement of something.

root

Highlights the fundamental cause or basis.

ancestry

Refers to one's lineage or descent.

genesis

Implies the initial creation or development.

provenance

Indicates the history of ownership or creation.

derivation

Focuses on how something is obtained or developed.

fountainhead

Suggests the primary source or originator.

inception

Emphasizes the formal start or establishment.

etymology

Pertains to the history and evolution of a word.

FAQs

How to use "origin" in a sentence?

You can use "origin" to refer to the beginning or source of something. For example, "The "origin of the word" is Latin" or "The "origin of the tradition" is unknown".

What can I say instead of "origin"?

You can use alternatives like "source", "beginning", or "root" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "origin" and "source"?

"Origin" generally refers to the start or beginning of something, whereas "source" refers to where something comes from. They are often interchangeable, but "source" can also refer to a document or person that provides information.

Is it correct to say "original source" when referring to the beginning?

While "original" means first or earliest, using "original source" is often redundant because the source is already implied to be the first or primary one. You can simply use "source" or "origin".