origin
The point where something begins or comes from.
origin in a sentence
- Nobody knew the origin of the strange noise in the attic.
- The river has its origin high up in the mountains.
Try an 11+ style question
Verbal reasoning papers often ask about a word like this.
Which word is closest in meaning to origin?
- Aconclusion
- Bend
- Cfinish
- Dsource
Show the answer
D: source. The other three mean the opposite of origin.
Which word is most nearly opposite in meaning to origin?
- Asource
- Bbeginning
- Croot
- Dend
Show the answer
D: end. The other three mean nearly the same as origin.
Words that mean something similar
source, beginning, root
Words that mean the opposite
end, finish, conclusion
More words about time & change
- originate: To start or come from a particular place or time.
- overdue: Later than it should be.
- perish: To die, or to be destroyed or ruined.
- potential: Possible in the future, though not happening yet.
- predicament: A tricky situation that is hard to get out of.
- prevail: To win in the end or to be the strongest.
- previous: Coming before the one you are talking about.
- primitive: Very simple and from an early time, without modern comforts.
More words to explore
Sitting the 11+ in Kent, Medway or Buckinghamshire?
Plain-English guides to each test, from the councils’ own pages: Kent Test · Medway Test · Bucks Secondary Transfer Test