Definition

1. Verb:
   • To produce or create something: "generate" means to cause something to exist or occur, often as a result of a process or action.
   • To produce energy or power: Specifically, "generate" is used to describe the production of electricity, heat, or other forms of energy.
   • To bring into existence or give rise to: It can refer to creating abstract things like ideas, feelings, or situations.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • The new policy could generate a lot of discussion. (The new policy could produce a lot of discussion.)
  • Wind turbines generate electricity from the wind. (Wind turbines produce electricity from the wind.)
  • His rude comment generated anger among the staff. (His rude comment gave rise to anger among the staff.)

Advanced Usage

• "to generate interest/enthusiasm/support": to create or stimulate a particular feeling or reaction.
  • The campaign aims to generate public support for the new library. (The campaign aims to create public support for the new library.)
• "to generate revenue/income/profits": to produce money or financial gain.
  • The online store generates most of its revenue from international sales. (The online store produces most of its money from international sales.)
• "to generate a report/list/idea": to produce something through a systematic process, often using a machine or computer.
  • The software can generate a detailed sales report in minutes. (The software can produce a detailed sales report in minutes.)

Variants and Related Words

• Generation (n): The act or process of generating; a group of individuals born and living at about the same time.
  • The generation of electricity is a complex process. (The production of electricity is a complex process.)
  • She belongs to a generation that grew up with the internet. (She belongs to a group of people who grew up with the internet.)
• Generator (n): A machine or device that produces something, especially electricity.
  • The hospital has a backup generator in case of a power cut. (The hospital has a backup electricity-producing machine in case of a power cut.)
• Regenerate (v): To grow or be formed again; to give new life or energy to.
  • The forest will slowly regenerate after the fire. (The forest will slowly grow again after the fire.)

Synonyms

• Produce: To make or manufacture from components or raw materials.
• Create: To bring something into existence.
• Cause: To make something happen.
• Yield: To produce or provide (a natural, agricultural, or industrial product).

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Generate" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically contained within the single verb.)

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms that use the verb "generate" as their core element.)

Verb

1. make children
   • Abraham begot Isaac
   • Men often father children but don't recognize them
2. produce (energy)
   • We can't generate enough power for the entire city
   • The hydroelectric plant needs to generate more electricity
3. give or supply
   • The cow brings in 5 liters of milk
   • This year's crop yielded 1,000 bushels of corn
   • The estate renders some revenue for the family
4. bring into existence
   • The new manager generated a lot of problems
   • The computer bug generated chaos in the office
   • The computer generated this image
   • The earthquake generated a tsunami