originor‧i‧gin /ˈɒrɪdʒɪn $ ˈɔː-, ˈɑː-/ ●●● W2 noun [countable, uncountable] 
a new theory to explain the origins of the universein origin Most coughs are viral in origin. The word is French in origin. The tradition has its origins in the Middle Ages. old folk tales of unknown origincountry/place of origin (=where something came from) All meat should be clearly labelled with its country of origin.► see thesaurus at beginning2 (also origins) [plural] the country, race, or type of family which someone comes fromof French/German/Asian etc origin Two thirds of the pupils are of Asian origin. The form asks for information about the person’s ethnic origin. Immigrants rarely return to their country of origin. She never forgot her humble origins.COLLOCATIONSadjectivesa common origin (=a place or situation in which different things all started to exist)· It may be that all life on Earth has a common origin.of recent origin (=having started to exist only a short time ago)· This particular theory is of very recent origin.of unknown origin (=used to say that no one knows where, when, or how something started)· an ancient folk tale of unknown originof doubtful origin (=unknown and possibly suspicious)· The fire was still being treated as of doubtful origin.something’s historical/geographical/political etc origins· This type of story has its historical origins in eighteenth century gothic novels.· the geographical origins of the plantverbshave its origin in something (=begin to exist)· The ceremony has its origins in medieval times.trace its origins to something (=used to say that something can find evidence that it began to exist at a particular time or in a particular place)· The Roman Catholic Church traces its origins back to the 4th century.trace the origin of something (=find where, when etc something began to exist)· It’s difficult to trace the origin of some words.owe its origins to something (=used to explain how something began to exist)· a government which owes its origins to revolutionsomething’s origins lie in something (=something comes from a particular place or or develops from a particular situation)· a grape whose origins lie in northern Italy· The technique’s origins lie in the popular arts of the time.something’s origins go back to something (=used to say when or how something began)· The school’s origins go back to the 12th century.investigate the origin of something (=try to find out where, when etc something began to exist)· researchers investigating the origin of AIDSphrasethe country/place of origin (=the country or place where something is made or produced)· The rugs are somewhat cheaper in their country of origin.THESAURUSwhere something comes fromorigin/origins the place or situation in which something begins to exist: · the origins of the conflict in the Middle East· The book explains the origin of words.· Her disability is genetic in origin.source the thing, place etc that you get something from: · They get their money from various sources.· Beans are a good source of protein.root the rootof a problem is the main cause. The roots of something are the things that it was originally based on: · Allergies are at the root of a lot of health problems.· At the root of the crisis was a shortage of hard cash.· They want a return to the roots of Christianity.· Reggae has its roots in a range of different musical styles.the birthplace of something the place where something first started to exist: · New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz.· Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffeethe cradle of something the place where something important first started – used mainly in the following phrases: · Ancient Athens is considered to be the cradle of democracy.· Baghdad was the cradle of civilization.starting point an idea, suggestion etc from which a discussion, process, or project can develop: · His paper provided an excellent starting point for discussion.to come from something or somewherecome from something to have developed from something that existed before: · The word origami comes from the Japanese ori (folding) and kami (paper).· Where did the idea for the book come from?be based on something to use something else as the basis: · The film is based on a traditional Chinese story.· She later wrote a book based on her experiences in Africa.originate to come from a particular place, group, or situation, especially one that existed a long time ago. Originate is more formal than come from: · The jewellery probably originates from Egypt.· Genes also tell us that native Americans originated from a small group of migrants who crossed the Bering land bridge from Siberia.· Christmas pudding is thought to have originated from a type of medieval porridge, which was made of meat, dried fruit, nuts, sugar and spices.be founded on something to develop from an idea or belief: · Our system of government is founded on the principle of democracy.derive from something/be derived from something to come from something, especially by means of a long or complicated process – often used about words coming from another language: · Much of the English language is derived from Latin.· Many drugs are derived from plants.have its origins/roots in something to develop from something that existed long ago: · Halloween has its origins in an ancient Celtic festival.· Modern country and Western music has its roots in the folk songs of the rural south.go back to something to come from a particular past time or event or from something that existed a long time ago: · Our friendship goes back to our freshman year in college.· The college goes back to the Middle Ages.
WORD ORIGINorigin
Origin:
1500-1600 French origine, from Latin origo, from oriri ‘to rise’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Advanced computer systems could trace the origin of every gun used in a violent crime.
- AIDS became widespread in the 1980s, but no-one is certain of its origin.
- Federal law requires that every product should show its country of origin.
- He's writing a dictionary that explains the origin of words.
- Hughes's book 'The Fatal Shore' is a study of the origins of Australia as a British penal colony.
- Kennedy's Irish-Catholic origins
- Nine percent of the city's population is of Hispanic origin.
- The magazines were organized by country of origin.
- Today's ceremony is a modern version of a tradition which has its origins in medieval times.
- But I want to know my origins, my beginnings.
- Could it be that one far-off day intelligent computers will speculate about their own lost origins?
- Indeed, the schemata of adulthood have their origins in the schemata of early childhood.
- Moreover, much of the growing industrial labour force was not of urban origin.
- Others have been acquired from other sources, although the exact origins of some of these remain somewhat obscure.
- Regardless of its origins, the tarbush in its heyday once was favored by king and countryman alike.
- Simple yet sophisticated, this dish has its origins in Rome.
THESAURUSwhere something comes from
the place or situation in which something begins to exist: · the origins of the conflict in the Middle East· The book explains the origin of words.· Her disability is genetic in origin.
the thing, place etc that you get something from: · They get their money from various sources.· Beans are a good source of protein.
the rootof a problem is the main cause. The roots of something are the things that it was originally based on: · Allergies are at the root of a lot of health problems.· At the root of the crisis was a shortage of hard cash.· They want a return to the roots of Christianity.· Reggae has its roots in a range of different musical styles.
the place where something first started to exist: · New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz.· Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffee
the place where something important first started – used mainly in the following phrases: · Ancient Athens is considered to be the cradle of democracy.· Baghdad was the cradle of civilization.
an idea, suggestion etc from which a discussion, process, or project can develop: · His paper provided an excellent starting point for discussion.
to come from something or somewhere to have developed from something that existed before: · The word origami comes from the Japanese ori (folding) and kami (paper).· Where did the idea for the book come from?
to use something else as the basis: · The film is based on a traditional Chinese story.· She later wrote a book based on her experiences in Africa.
to come from a particular place, group, or situation, especially one that existed a long time ago. Originate is more formal than come from: · The jewellery probably originates from Egypt.· Genes also tell us that native Americans originated from a small group of migrants who crossed the Bering land bridge from Siberia.· Christmas pudding is thought to have originated from a type of medieval porridge, which was made of meat, dried fruit, nuts, sugar and spices.
to develop from an idea or belief: · Our system of government is founded on the principle of democracy.
to come from something, especially by means of a long or complicated process – often used about words coming from another language: · Much of the English language is derived from Latin.· Many drugs are derived from plants.
to develop from something that existed long ago: · Halloween has its origins in an ancient Celtic festival.· Modern country and Western music has its roots in the folk songs of the rural south.
to come from a particular past time or event or from something that existed a long time ago: · Our friendship goes back to our freshman year in college.· The college goes back to the Middle Ages.
Longman Language Activatorthe beginning of something the first part of an event, period of time etc: the beginning of something: · I haven't seen her since the beginning of last year.· It was the beginning of a long friendship.· This fall's presidential election could mean the beginning of a new era in American politics.back to the beginning: · It's so long since I spoke German, I'd have to go right back to the beginning if I took a class in it now.
the beginning of something, or the way that something begins: the start of something: · The runners are now lining up for the start of the race.· Tomorrow marks the start of the presidential election campaign.· They had an exotic meal to celebrate the start of the Chinese New Year.a good/bad start to something: · A pint of vodka at eight o'clock in the morning was not a good start to the day.get off to a good/bad start: · If we get off to a good start this season, I think the team has a real chance to win the championship.
the origin of something is where it came from or how it first started to exist: · AIDS became widespread in the 1980s, but no-one is certain of its origin.origin of: · He's writing a dictionary that explains the origin of words.· Hughes's book 'The Fatal Shore' is a study of the origins of Australia as a British penal colony.· Advanced computer systems could trace the origin of every gun used in a violent crime.have your/its origins in something: · Today's ceremony is a modern version of a tradition which has its origins in medieval times.country/place of origin: · The magazines were organized by country of origin.
the starting point of something is where it begins or develops from: · If you want to learn about working overseas, this book would be a good starting point.starting point for/of: · Duffy's difficult relationship with her mother was the starting point for her fiction.· The assassination of Archduke Ferdinand is seen as the starting point of the war.
the time when something begins, especially something unpleasant such as an illness: the onset of something: · Make sure to check your air conditioning before the onset of hot weather.· The onset of the Depression meant starvation and suffering for millions of people.· DiPietro's research shows that an active lifestyle can delay the onset of many diseases common with aging.
something that makes something else happen · Doctors cannot find a cure for the illness until they have identified the cause.cause of · Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the accident.root cause (=basic cause) · The root cause of the current energy crisis is that we simply use too much energy.
one of several causes of a situation or condition: · The price of insurance depends on several factors, including the age of the car.factor in: · His girlfriend lives in London and I'm sure that was a factor in his decision to move there.key factor (=very important factor): · Money will be the key factor when we decide to buy a new house.deciding/determining factor (=the thing that finally makes something happen): · Race should never be a deciding factor in a hiring decision.
the thing or one of the things that makes you decide to do something or makes something happen: · "Why are you helping her?" "She asked me to. That's the only reason."· The main reason she quit is that she was not being paid enough.reason for/behind: · Can anyone explain the reason for the delay?· There were two reasons behind the company's failure.reason why/(that): · The reason why the economy is growing more slowly is a lack of workers.reason to do something: · There's no reason to doubt what she says.
the first causes from which a situation, condition etc has developed: origins of: · The origins of the crisis were very complex.· Other cultures' beliefs about the origins of disease often differ from our own.have origins in: · Many of our attitudes to the issue of race have their origins in the colonialism of days gone by.
the main or most important cause of a situation or condition: root of: · The roots of the wars in the Balkans go back hundreds of years.get to the root of something (=discover the most important cause): · We need to get to the root of the problem.
an event, action, or situation that helps a process to develop more quickly: · The appointment of a new director gave the project immediate stimulus.stimulus to: · The surge in new housing construction ought to provide a stimulus to the economy.
an event, action, or situation that helps something to develop more quickly: impetus for/behind: · The impetus for change in the industry was provided by a new management team.· Press criticism has been the main impetus behind the government reforms.give impetus to something: · The Surgeon General's speech will give new impetus to the anti-smoking campaign.
the place, situation etc that something comes from the situation, ideas, events etc that something else developed from: · The rumour is now so widespread, it's difficult to be certain of its origin.origin/origins of: · Astronomers hope new instruments will give them further clues to the origins of the universe.· a book that tries to explain the origin of words and phrases
the point or place where something comes from or where people get something from: · They get their money from various sources.source of: · Beans and lentils are a very good source of protein.· Most Americans rely on television as their chief source of information.
: cradle of democracy/civilization/human society etc the place or situation in which democracy etc first started: · Ancient Athens is generally thought of as the cradle of democracy.· Baghdad, the cradle of civilization
the place where something first started to exist: birthplace of: · New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz· Walden Pond has been called the birthplace of modern environmentalism.
the most important reason for or cause of something else happening or existing, especially a problem or something bad: root of: · Low taxation of the rich is the root of the economic problems in this country.the root of all evil: · The love of money is said to be the root of all evil.
to have developed from something use this to say that something that exists now developed from something else that existed before: · My idea for the film came from an article I read about West Virginia coal miners.· The name 'terrier' comes from the Latin word 'terra' meaning the earth.
if a film, story, idea, plan etc is based on something else, that is where its basic ideas or facts come from: · The film is based on a popular Bengali novel.· Overtime pay will be based on the number of hours you work each week.· Your test questions will be based on the work you have done in the past year.
to have developed in a particular place or from a particular situation: · How did the tradition of wearing costumes on Hallowe'en originate?originate in: · Welfare is a program that originated in the 1930s to help widows.· Buddhism originated in India and came to China in the first century A.D.
to have developed from something that happened or existed a long time ago: · Many phrases in the language go back to early religious writings.· Our friendship goes back to our freshman year in college.· Jo just refuses to get into a car -- it all goes back to when she had that accident.
if something has its origins in something that existed a long time ago, that is where it comes from and is the reason for it being as it is: · Modern medicine often has its origins in ancient ways of doing things.· Vaudeville had its origins in French street culture.
if something such as a belief or attitude has its roots in conditions that existed earlier, it developed from them and is still influenced by them: · Many music historians believe that jazz has its roots in blues music.· Economic policy in the US has its roots in the free market system.
to have developed from something else, especially by a long or complicated process: · Much of the English language is derived from Latin and Greek.· About a quarter of the drugs in prescription medicines today are derived from plants.
to have one main idea, belief etc that something else develops from: · The constitution in this country is not written. It's founded on tradition and precedent.· White resistance to Civil Rights was founded on age-old fears of democracy.
to develop from something small or simple by becoming bigger or more complicated: · Socialist ideals grew out of an earlier idea that all men are created equal.· The skill of writing grew out of a wish to put speech into a permanent form.
to come from an original idea or form and change into something bigger, more important, or more advanced: · The whole basis of her novel evolved from a chance meeting she had with an old friend.· Within years, the site developed from an area of waste ground into a thriving farm.
to come from a particular family or social group · Most of the people here come from very poor families.· She comes from a family of seven kids.· He's from a very upper class background.
if you are descended from someone, especially someone famous or a group of people who lived a long time ago, you are related to them: · She always claimed her family was descended from the ancient Kings of Egypt.· The Japanese are thought to be descended from tribes from the north of China.
the particular type of family or social group that you come from: · How quickly kids learn to read will often depend on both their ability and their backgrounds.· Sylvie had always expected that she would marry someone of a similar background to herself.working class/Jewish etc background: · Gary always tried to hide his working class background.
the social position that you were born into and in which you spent the early part of your life, for example who your parents were or whether they were rich or poor: · Miller questioned her closely, about her present job, her family and her origins.humble origins (=a poor social position that someone comes from): · Politicians love to talk about their humble origins because they think it will make them popular with voters.
your connection with a place or group in society because you were born there, or your family used to live there: · Rizzo was a man who never forgot his roots.· Beth went to Israel in search of her roots.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadjectives Iacocca rose from humble beginnings to become boss of Ford.
(=a place or situation in which different things all started to exist)· It may be that all life on Earth has a common origin.
(=having started to exist only a short time ago)· This particular theory is of very recent origin.
(=used to say that no one knows where, when, or how something started)· an ancient folk tale of unknown origin
(=unknown and possibly suspicious)· The fire was still being treated as of doubtful origin.
· This type of story has its historical origins in eighteenth century gothic novels.· the geographical origins of the plant
verbs (=begin to exist)· The ceremony has its origins in medieval times.
(=used to say that something can find evidence that it began to exist at a particular time or in a particular place)· The Roman Catholic Church traces its origins back to the 4th century.
(=find where, when etc something began to exist)· It’s difficult to trace the origin of some words.
(=used to explain how something began to exist)· a government which owes its origins to revolution
(=something comes from a particular place or or develops from a particular situation)· a grape whose origins lie in northern Italy· The technique’s origins lie in the popular arts of the time.
(=used to say when or how something began)· The school’s origins go back to the 12th century.
(=try to find out where, when etc something began to exist)· researchers investigating the origin of AIDS
phrase (=the country or place where something is made or produced)· The rugs are somewhat cheaper in their country of origin.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES (=where you were born or live permanently, or where something was produced)· Please give your name, age, and country of origin.
(=the race or country that someone originally came from)· Schools are increasingly composed of pupils of different religions and different ethnic origins.
Iacocca rose from humble beginnings to become boss of Ford. formal (=the place where someone or something first came from)· I believe my mother's place of origin was Sierra Leone.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· In this third example, however, the question has a different origin.· It is therefore already apparent that the suggested different origins of the glasses can be linked with their different chemical compositions.· The balance of Maxwell's group was rather different, with origins in printing and in magazine and trade publishing.· This is how you realise they have different origins.· Butler herself had rather different origins.· Rivalries thus developed within the administration among officials of different places of origin.
· More lists, long computer analyses of each individual - background, ethnic origins, age, record, previous political activities.· I suspect that removing the information about ethnic origin would only postpone the discrimination to the interview stage.· The present population of Britain also includes approximately 2.4 million people of minority ethnic origin.
· The search for human origins in the material record, by the techniques of archaeology, could begin.· In the next generation after Thales, Anaximander extended scientific myth to include human origins.· The debate over human origins in nineteenth-century Britain provides a helpful example.
· Sid was always fond of reminding his audience of darts' humble origins.· In the case of plumes, the evidence for how they look comes from humble origins.· As a prime minister he probably ranked with Ramsay MacDonald in humble origin and modest wealth.· A man of humble origins with little formal education, Mr Bérégovoy had always taken pride in his reputation for integrity.· Dentists have a humble origin, in that they are part of the history of jewellery.· The list is bottomless, no doubt, but what about his humble origins?
· Slightly larger objects, however different and unrelated, should be grouped so that they have something in common like colour or national origin.· The Bakke decision permitted the use of race or national origin as a factor in college admissions.· The national origin of the agents of media control is not the point.· They frequently discriminate on the basis of race, religion or national origin.· But whatever the parentage, this new decentralized way admits to no national origin nor exclusive use by anyone.
· If the answer is yes, should it be a family similar to the child's racial and cultural origin?· People are immensely flexible in their habits, depending on their racial origin, religion, wealth, and ecology.· Then there are those families who emphasise differences by their awareness of the racial origin of the child.
· But these bodies are of comparatively recent origin.· What about physical understandings of more recent origin?· Are the rather variable and unpredictable patterns of kin support, which I identified in chapter 1, of recent origin?· In its present form this story is of recent origin, although it is derived from an ancient tale.· The concept of aggression, however, is of relatively recent origin.· Some have been around a long time, others are of more recent origins.· Like much political folk wisdom, this particular belief is of recent origin.· Bright rays have not yet been darkened by these means and thus represent ejecta from craters of relatively recent origin.
· The grammar school paid little or no formal attention to the social origins of their pupils, and parents paid no fees.· After all, morality is social in origin.· This does not, however, render the question of social origins of state personnel, such as bureaucrats, sterile.· The most comprehensive in terms of social class origins covers the period from 1820 to 1968.· But what, I ask myself, are its social and biological origins?· The social origins of the new administrators have interested historians.· Some modern sample-based studies have successfully explored the relations between social origins, attitudes and behaviour.· The social origin of its members, the initial preponderance of intelligentsia over workers, was utterly irrelevant.
· We found that 20 of the estimates originated from six source studies, with one being of unknown origin.· With the exception of computed tomography most radiological investigations can not identify the primary tumour in metastatic disease of unknown origin.· Gorich etal found the primary site by computed tomography in 58% of 31 patients with metastatic disease of unknown origin.· Since metastases of unknown origins are usually poorly differentiated the sensitivity of testing with these antibodies would also be reduced.· Products of unknown origin I am surprised at just how many products show no manufacturer's address.· Some patients with metastasis of unknown origin do have responsive tumours.
VERB· What needs to be explained is the origin of concentrations of wealth and security or of poverty and deprivation.· The myth, told in a giant earth figure called the Fisherman, explains the origin of the Colorado River.· Chapter 6 compares efforts to explain the origins, characteristics, and impact of non-violent political dissent and social movement activity.· She also explained the origin of the castle.· She'd explained to me the origin of the Paisley pattern.· The approach is usually genetic: if you can explain the origin of something, you have explained its current nature as well.· The family name, Beurze, explains the origins of the name for similar operations all over the Continent.
· Population genetics owes its origin to Francis Galton, who put the study of human heredity on a mathematical footing.· The glass in the regolith owes its origin to impacts of cometary and asteroidal material with the lunar surface.· The second kind of modern atheism owes its origins to Feuerbach and its most powerful expression to Marx.· Such effects owe their origin to gradients in the field and are called tidal effects.· As to length, there are two traditional ways of measuring and both owe their origins to tiger shooting.· The group, he said, owed its origins to direct action by environmentalists in Britain.· Nevertheless, it is appropriate to consider here those components of karst topography that owe much of their origin to weathering processes.· It is quite possible that the Wandjina figures owe their origin to external influence.
· This suggests a monophyletic origin for Trichogramma parthenogenesis bacteria.· All the phenomena to be described under the section Complex Partial Seizures strongly suggest a temporal lobe origin.· It is therefore already apparent that the suggested different origins of the glasses can be linked with their different chemical compositions.· The natural color of the clay communicates its earthy source and the smoky black tones on the surface suggest an ancient origin.· Some elements of the event may be thought to suggest a very ancient origin.
· Their analysis traces the political origins and impact of social movement activity in terms of the protection of individual rights of citizenship.· If today such spending amounts to roughly two-thirds of all economic activity, we can trace its origin back to the 1920s.· The present system of bargaining and control is therefore best understood by tracing its origins and developments.· Cellular technology is not a new concept; some authorities have traced its origins to 1947.· This makes tracing the origin a difficult matter.· Many trace the origin of this crisis to the 1993 advent of free agency, which has sent salaries skyrocketing.· They are a very old family and trace their origins back right through the centuries.· In raising such questions, the intention is to lay warnings about tracing the origins of voluntary collectivism in selected traditions.
· None the less, they are worth considering, because they help us to understand both the origin and the artificiality of feudalism.· With these techniques the woman can understand the origin of her problem and may sometimes be able to resolve it.· To understand the origin of species we need to know what these frontiers are and how they arise.· Seeking to understand our origins and our destiny.· We simply do not understand the origin of this hugely variable relation between injury and pain.· The present system of bargaining and control is therefore best understood by tracing its origins and developments.· He could hear the fear in their voices and understood its origin.· It is important to understand the nature and origin of blocks and resistances.
WORD FAMILYnounoriginoriginaloriginalityoriginatoradjectiveoriginal ≠ unoriginalverboriginateadverboriginally
1 (also origins [plural]) the place or situation in which something begins to existorigin of a new theory to explain the origins of the universein origin Most coughs are viral in origin. The word is French in origin. The tradition has its origins in the Middle Ages. old folk tales of unknown origincountry/place of origin (=where something came from) All meat should be clearly labelled with its country of origin.► see thesaurus at beginning2 (also origins) [plural] the country, race, or type of family which someone comes fromof French/German/Asian etc origin Two thirds of the pupils are of Asian origin. The form asks for information about the person’s ethnic origin. Immigrants rarely return to their country of origin. She never forgot her humble origins.COLLOCATIONSadjectivesa common origin (=a place or situation in which different things all started to exist)· It may be that all life on Earth has a common origin.of recent origin (=having started to exist only a short time ago)· This particular theory is of very recent origin.of unknown origin (=used to say that no one knows where, when, or how something started)· an ancient folk tale of unknown originof doubtful origin (=unknown and possibly suspicious)· The fire was still being treated as of doubtful origin.something’s historical/geographical/political etc origins· This type of story has its historical origins in eighteenth century gothic novels.· the geographical origins of the plantverbshave its origin in something (=begin to exist)· The ceremony has its origins in medieval times.trace its origins to something (=used to say that something can find evidence that it began to exist at a particular time or in a particular place)· The Roman Catholic Church traces its origins back to the 4th century.trace the origin of something (=find where, when etc something began to exist)· It’s difficult to trace the origin of some words.owe its origins to something (=used to explain how something began to exist)· a government which owes its origins to revolutionsomething’s origins lie in something (=something comes from a particular place or or develops from a particular situation)· a grape whose origins lie in northern Italy· The technique’s origins lie in the popular arts of the time.something’s origins go back to something (=used to say when or how something began)· The school’s origins go back to the 12th century.investigate the origin of something (=try to find out where, when etc something began to exist)· researchers investigating the origin of AIDSphrasethe country/place of origin (=the country or place where something is made or produced)· The rugs are somewhat cheaper in their country of origin.THESAURUSwhere something comes fromorigin/origins the place or situation in which something begins to exist: · the origins of the conflict in the Middle East· The book explains the origin of words.· Her disability is genetic in origin.source the thing, place etc that you get something from: · They get their money from various sources.· Beans are a good source of protein.root the rootof a problem is the main cause. The roots of something are the things that it was originally based on: · Allergies are at the root of a lot of health problems.· At the root of the crisis was a shortage of hard cash.· They want a return to the roots of Christianity.· Reggae has its roots in a range of different musical styles.the birthplace of something the place where something first started to exist: · New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz.· Ethiopia, the birthplace of coffeethe cradle of something the place where something important first started – used mainly in the following phrases: · Ancient Athens is considered to be the cradle of democracy.· Baghdad was the cradle of civilization.starting point an idea, suggestion etc from which a discussion, process, or project can develop: · His paper provided an excellent starting point for discussion.to come from something or somewherecome from something to have developed from something that existed before: · The word origami comes from the Japanese ori (folding) and kami (paper).· Where did the idea for the book come from?be based on something to use something else as the basis: · The film is based on a traditional Chinese story.· She later wrote a book based on her experiences in Africa.originate to come from a particular place, group, or situation, especially one that existed a long time ago. Originate is more formal than come from: · The jewellery probably originates from Egypt.· Genes also tell us that native Americans originated from a small group of migrants who crossed the Bering land bridge from Siberia.· Christmas pudding is thought to have originated from a type of medieval porridge, which was made of meat, dried fruit, nuts, sugar and spices.be founded on something to develop from an idea or belief: · Our system of government is founded on the principle of democracy.derive from something/be derived from something to come from something, especially by means of a long or complicated process – often used about words coming from another language: · Much of the English language is derived from Latin.· Many drugs are derived from plants.have its origins/roots in something to develop from something that existed long ago: · Halloween has its origins in an ancient Celtic festival.· Modern country and Western music has its roots in the folk songs of the rural south.go back to something to come from a particular past time or event or from something that existed a long time ago: · Our friendship goes back to our freshman year in college.· The college goes back to the Middle Ages.