Generate
/ˈdʒɛnəreɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo bring into existence; to produce or create something.
/ˈdʒɛnəreɪt/
To cause something to exist or be produced.
This program can generate a random password.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making something! Like a machine that *generates* power, or your idea *generates* excitement. It's like making something appear!
👶 For kids: To make something, like a machine that generates electricity.
More Examples
The company aims to generate more revenue this year.
The artist's work generates strong emotions in viewers.
How It's Used
"The new software can generate reports automatically."
"Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight."
To cause to arise or come about; to bring into being.
/ˈdʒɛnəreɪt/
To give rise to or cause something, often abstract.
His speech generated a lot of debate.
💡 Simply: It's like being the reason something happens. Like a joke that *generates* laughter, or a good deed that *generates* happiness. You're the starting point!
👶 For kids: To be the reason something happens. Like when you tell a joke and it generates giggles!
More Examples
The decision generated a mixed response.
The company’s actions will generate negative public opinion.
How It's Used
"The new marketing campaign is designed to generate interest in the product."
"These policies generate social unrest."
Idioms & expressions
generate interest
To cause people to become curious or excited about something.
"The advertisement was designed to generate interest in the new product."
generate revenue
To produce income.
"The new store is expected to generate significant revenue."
From Latin generare 'to beget, produce,' from genus 'race, kind, origin.'
The word has been used since the 15th century, initially with the meaning of 'to beget.'
Memory tip
Think of a factory producing goods, or a fire creating heat. Generate means to make something happen.
Word Origin
"to beget, produce"