Words / A2

OR-ij-in/ˈɒrɪdʒɪn/

Origin is where something begins: country of origin, the origin of a word, unknown origin. Source is a cousin for information or a river. Original is the adjective (the first one). Begin is the everyday verb. Do not write origin when you mean original, or orange.

Meaning

The place, time, or cause where something begins.

Examples

• “The museum explains the origin of the town’s name.”
• “Check the country of origin on the food label.”
• “The guide explained the origin of the castle ruins.”

Good to know

country of origin / the origin of. Cousin: source. Adjective: original. Mix-up: orange.

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