What does "generate" mean?

1. (to produce or create) to cause something to exist, like an idea, a feeling, or a result. 2. (to produce energy) to produce a form of energy, such as electricity or heat. 3. (to create using a computer) to use a computer program to create something automatically. 4. (to form a geometric figure) to form a shape by moving a line or a curve in space.

How do you use "generate"?

Often used with abstract nouns like 'interest', 'excitement', 'revenue', or 'debate'.

generate

US //ˈdʒɛnɝˌeɪt// UK //dʒˈɛnəɹˌeɪt// gen·er·ate

1 to produce or create (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

to cause something to exist, like an idea, a feeling, or a result.

to bring into existence or give rise to a state, emotion, or outcome.

Example

The new marketing campaign helped generate a lot of interest in the product.

Example

The proposed policy changes are expected to generate significant debate among committee members regarding long-term fiscal responsibility.

Usage

Often used with abstract nouns like 'interest', 'excitement', 'revenue', or 'debate'.
- destroy
- halt
2 to produce energy (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

to produce a form of energy, such as electricity or heat.

to produce energy or a substance through a physical or chemical process.

Example

Wind turbines generate electricity by using the power of the wind.

Example

The nuclear reactor generates enough thermal energy to power the entire coastal region during peak winter months.
- produce
- yield
- consume

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3 to create using a computer (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

to use a computer program to create something automatically.

to create data, images, or code through the application of an algorithm or program.

Example

The website can generate a random password for your new account.

Example

The software uses a complex algorithm to generate realistic terrain for the video game environment.
- render
- output
4 to form a geometric figure (v.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Math

to form a shape by moving a line or a curve in space.

to trace or form a geometric figure through the motion of a point, line, or surface.

Example

A cylinder is generated when you rotate a rectangle around one of its sides.

Example

Rotating a circle around an external axis generates a torus, a surface frequently studied in topology.
- trace
- form

Etymology 1

From Latin generō (“beget, procreate, produce”) + -ate (verb-forming suffix), from genus (“a kind, race, family”, gener- in compounds) + -ō; see genus. Compare Italian generare, French générer (and its older (and now obsolete) English cognate from Middle French, gender (“engender, breed, copulate”)).

Etymology 2

Learned borrowing from Latin generātus, perfect passive participle of generō (“beget, procreate, produce”). See Etymology 1 and -ate (adjective-forming suffix) for more.

Word family

Verbgenerate
Verbregenerate