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

• beget
• breed
• bring
• bring about
• bring on
• catalyze
• cause
• create
• do
• draw on
• effect
• effectuate
• engender
• induce
• invoke
• make
• occasion
• produce
• prompt
• result (in)
• spawn
• translate (into)
• work
• yield

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

Disney and Lucasfilm have trumpeted Star Wars franchise news at the Tokyo event in an effort to generate strong buzz for upcoming TV, film and gaming releases. —William Earl, Variety, 20 Apr. 2025

The way to make this all possible, Democrats say, is by loosening the fiscal guardrails that were created on a bipartisan basis in 2017 and have allowed the state to generate continuous surpluses during Lamont’s tenure. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2025

Plus, those who want to generate AI art are limited to one small textbox to communicate their needs. —Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PC Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025

These systems require massive amounts of electricity — much more than traditional rail — and Maryland is already struggling to generate and deliver reliable energy. —Angelette C. Aviles, Baltimore Sun, 19 Apr. 2025

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
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

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