originate
verb (used without object)
to take its origin or rise; begin; start; arise.
had originated
-
past perfectof originate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Iraq said it had fired a military commander and launched an investigation after admitting the drone attack on its neighbour's East-West pipeline had originated in one of its provinces bordering Iran.
From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026
The challenge was determining exactly where the immune cells inside the brain had originated.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 14, 2026
The law had originated 25 years ago as a temporary fix for rural counties that were losing tax revenue from reduced timber harvesting on public lands.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 9, 2025
Back in 2019, Menzies had originated the stage role of Lucas, a preschool teacher falsely accused of exposing himself to a child, in a London production.
From New York Times ● Feb. 15, 2024
It was difficult to say from which direction it had originated.
From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull
