Collocation Dictionary

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Common collocations with origin in American Collocation

origin noun

US /ˈɔrədʒɪn/

not known or understood

dubious
mysterious
obscure
uncertain
unknown

The origins of the word are unknown.

of a particular type

biological
ethnic
genetic
geographical
national
racial

A government survey has found that ethnic origin plays a big part in the sort of ill health someone will suffer.

from a particular time

ancient
medieval

Longton is another village of ancient origin.

not rich

humble

He was a wonderful man full of humanity who never forgot his humble origins.

not from this world

divine
extraterrestrial
mythical
supernatural

His right to rule was believed to be of divine origin.

have a particular origin

have
owe
trace

It is said these Games owe their origins to tests of strength and skill set by Highland chiefs.

The Liberal Party traces its origins to the 18th century.

discover something’s/someone’s origins

ascertain
determine
discover
pinpoint
uncover
unravel

When a pain is felt internally it can be difficult to pinpoint its origin.

investigate something’s/someone’s origins

examine
explore
investigate

The course explored the origin and development of Darwin’s evolutionary theory.

reveal someone’s/something’s origins

betray
indicate
reveal
suggest

This is the family name and indicates the Persian origin of the family.

hide someone’s/something’s origins

belie
conceal
disguise
obscure

His tanned skin and dark, curly hair belie his German origins.

The money is passed through a series of transactions to obscure its origin.

explain someone’s/something’s origins

explain
understand

The goal of the research was to seek to understand the origin of life.

civilization
consciousness
cosmos
galaxy
species
universe

Professor Stephen Hawking is a theoretical physicist noted for his research into the origin of the universe.