Words / C1

STEM/stem/

To stem from is to come from a source; to stem something is to stop it spreading: stem from a decision, stem the flow. Come from is everyday; originate is formal; a stem (noun) is a plant stalk or a word base. Do not blame “tone” for an unstaffed door.

Meaning

To come from (stem from); also to stop something spreading (stem the flow).

Examples

• “The complaint stemmed from an unstaffed fire door, not from “tone”.”
• “Come from is everyday. Originate is a cousin. Stem the tide is a set phrase. A word stem is linguistics. Tone is a comms word. A missing person on the rota is a cause. Name the cause; then the style guide.”

Good to know

Come from; or stop a flow. Everyday: come from. Noun: a plant/word stem. Tone is not a root cause for a missing door-keeper.

Near in meaning

originate

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