generate

verb

gen·​er·​ate ˈje-nə-ˌrāt 

generated; generating; generates

transitive verb

1

: to bring into existence: such as

a

: procreate, beget

b

: to create by means of a defined process : produce

generate electricity

generating profits/growth

images generated by a computer

2

: to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)

These stories … generate a good deal of psychological suspense …

—Atlantic

3

: to define or originate (something, such as a mathematical or linguistic set or structure) by the application of one or more rules or operations

especially : to trace out (something, such as a curve) by a moving point or to trace out (a surface) by a moving curve

Synonyms of generate

• create
• cause
• bring
• produce
• prompt
• do

Examples of generate in a Sentence

windmills used to generate electricity

This business should generate a lot of revenue.

We hope to generate some new ideas at the meeting.

His theories have generated a great deal of interest among other scientists.

Her comments have generated a good deal of excitement.

They have been unable to generate much support for their proposals.

Recent Examples on the Web

The chips are power-hungry (a ChatGPT AI query consumes about ten times as much energy as a normal Google search) and also generate a lot of heat, which requires cooling systems. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 27 Sep. 2026

This car always feels planted, glued to the track, thanks in large part to the aero package capable of generating more than 6,000 pounds of downforce—double that of a Formula 1 racer at speed. — Sean Evans, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026

Over the next 10 years, the project is estimated to generate millions of dollars in revenue, which the city says could be used to reduce property taxes, improve schools, and increase teacher salaries, among other things. — Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026

Conclave proved an audience hit as well as an award darling, generating over $125 million at the global box office on a $20 million budget. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin generatus, past participle of generare, from gener-, genus descent, birth — more at kin

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing generate

• self-generate

Rhymes for generate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

generate

verb

gen·​er·​ate ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt 

generated; generating

1

: to bring into existence

generate electricity

2

: to be the cause of or reason for

news that generated excitement

generative

-ə-ˌrāt-iv, 

-(ə-)rət-

adjective

Medical Definition

generate

verb

gen·​er·​ate ˈjen-ə-ˌrāt 

generated; generating

transitive verb

: to bring into existence

especially : procreate

generate innumerable offspring

intransitive verb

: to produce offspring : propagate