- 1the point from which something starts; the cause of something the origins of life on earth Most coughs are viral in origin (= caused by a virus). The origin of the word remains obscure. This particular custom has its origins in the South.
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- 2a person's social and family background She has risen from humble origins to immense wealth. children of various ethnic origins people of German origin a person's country of origin (= where they were born)
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NAmE//ˈɔrədʒən//, NAmE//ˈɑrədʒən//
[countable, uncountable] (also origins [plural])Check pronunciation: origin