# genesis

/ˈdʒɛnəsəs/ (US) · /dʒˈɛnɪsˌɪs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/genesis
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. origin or beginning

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Academic

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

For teachers: 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.

- The genesis of the project was a simple conversation between two friends.
- 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. the first book of the Bible

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

## Examples

- The genesis of his idea came from a dream.
- Historians are still debating the exact genesis of the conflict that eventually led to the revolution.
- The genesis of the novel can be traced back to a series of short sketches the author wrote while traveling through rural Italy in his youth.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.