generate

[jen-uh-reyt]

verb (used with object)

generated, generating 

1. to bring into existence; cause to be; produce.

   Synonyms: institute, engender, originate, evolve, create

2. to create by a vital or natural process.

3. to create and distribute vitally and profusely.

   He generates ideas that we all should consider.

   A good diplomat generates good will.

4. to reproduce; procreate.

5. to produce by a chemical process.

6. Mathematics.

   1. to trace (a figure) by the motion of a point, straight line, or curve.

   2. to act as base for all the elements of a given set.

      The number 2 generates the set 2, 4, 8, 16.

7. Linguistics.,  to produce or specify (a grammatical sentence or other construction or set of constructions) by the application of a rule or set of rules in a generative grammar.

verb (used without object)

generated, generating 

1. to reproduce; propagate.

generate

/ ˈdʒɛnəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to produce or bring into being; create

2. (also intr) to produce (electricity), esp in a power station

3. to produce (a substance) by a chemical process

4. maths linguistics to provide a precise criterion or specification for membership in (a set)

   these rules will generate all the noun phrases in English

5. geometry to trace or form by moving a point, line, or plane in a specific way

   circular motion of a line generates a cylinder

Other Word Forms

• intergenerating adjective
• nongenerating adjective
• pregenerate verb (used with object)
• ungenerated adjective
• ungenerating adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of generate¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin generātus “begotten, produced,” past participle of generāre “to beget”; genus

Word History and Origins

Origin of generate¹

C16: from Latin generāre to beget, from genus kind

Example Sentences

Rather, we wait for further confirmation on the downside in order to generate a full MVB sell signal.

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Headlines about a possible AI bubble have begun to appear in response to reports of AI generating zero returns, and fears that companies will have to starting issuing debt to support outsize capital spending.

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“The key will be to get the first policy signals and measure the level of concern this is likely already generating within the Ministry of Finance and at the Bank of Japan.”

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Investors are increasingly focused on Oracle’s capital-expenditure plans, as the company has generated negative free cash flow for three out of the last four quarters.

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By comparison, objects measuring around 20 meters across -- such as the one that exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013 -- can generate powerful airbursts capable of damaging buildings and injuring people with shockwaves.

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Related Words

• achieve 
• bring about 
• cause 
• develop 
• engender 
• make 
• provoke 
• set up 
• spawn