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

Biya, the world's oldest serving head of state, is vying to extend his 43 years in power but former employment minister Tchiroma generated unexpected enthusiasm among voters in the central African nation.

Read more on Barron's

Those shifting dynamics have generated more optimism among most economists, who have increased their expectations for growth for the second half of the year.

Read more on Barron's

A period of rapid economic growth occurs first, generating winners and losers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The popularity of the technology that can answer questions and quickly generate text, code, images and even music has skyrocketed in the last three years.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It expects to generate $13 billion in revenue this year, meaning that it will have to increase sales at an exponential rate to make good on its computing bills.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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