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genesis

n.
US //ˈdʒɛnəsəs// UK //dʒˈɛnɪsˌɪs// gen·e·sis
  1. 1 origin or beginning (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Academic

    the start or origin of something, especially a new idea or project.

    the origin, start, or point at which something comes into being. Often used in academic or formal contexts to discuss the development of a theory or movement.

    Example

    The genesis of the project was a simple conversation between two friends.

    Example

    Scholars still debate the exact genesis of the movement, though most agree it began as a reaction against the prevailing social norms of the decade.

    Usage

    Usually takes the preposition 'of' to indicate what is beginning.
  2. 2 the first book of the Bible (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Religion

    the first book of the Bible, which tells the story of how the world was created.

    the first book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. Capitalised when referring to the specific religious text.

    Example

    In the book of Genesis, the story of the creation of the world is told.

    Example

    The professor compared the creation myths found in Genesis with those of other ancient Near Eastern cultures.

    Usage

    Always capitalised as 'Genesis' in this sense.

Origin

Borrowed from Latin genesis (“generation, nativity”), from Ancient Greek γένεσις (génesis, “origin, source, beginning”). Related to Ancient Greek γίγνομαι (gígnomai, “to be produced, become, be”). Doublet of kind, gens, and jati.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026