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

No high school team in Southern California has generated more interest and excitement.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Archer’s shares took a hit after it announced its plans to buy the Hawthorne airport, amid investor concern about when that investment will generate revenue.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Nuclear plants - which generate electricity by using atomic reactions to produce heat - are "essential to the UK's future", with the country at risk of missing out on a "worldwide nuclear renaissance".

Read more on BBC

That would require investments in infrastructure, energy and industrial projects that generate employment and economic growth in Africa -- and a move away from lofty statements of support, observers say.

Read more on Barron's

If you want your kids’ future secured, do the unglamorous work: Eliminate debt; own productive assets that generate income; teach them money isn’t magic.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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