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Definition origin in British English

origin noun

noun
/ˈɒrɪdʒɪn/
1

the place or moment where something begins to exist

Example

Meteorites may hold clues about the origin of life on Earth.

Example

The country's constitution had its origins in Roman law.

Example

The collection owes its origin to an anonymous donation of drawings.

Example

The college can trace its origins back to the 18th century.

Synonyms and related words
2

the country, race, or social situation that someone comes from

Example

She tries to hide her upper-class origins, but her accent gives her away.

Example

Despite his humble origins, Steen went on to become a Member of Parliament.

Example

All the children will be treated equally, regardless of ethnic origin.

Synonyms and related words
3

the point on a graph where the x-axis meets the y-axis, where the value is zero

Synonyms and related words
Definition origin in British English