origin

doubtful, obscure, unknown

The museum's archaeologists studied the obscure origin of the ancient pottery fragments.

recent

The custom of exchanging wedding rings is of relatively recent origin in many Asian countries.

immediate

The restaurant's immediate origins were traced back to a small family kitchen in 1995.

animal, human, mineral, plant, vegetable

Many medicines come from plant origin and have been used for thousands of years.

have, share

Both languages have ancient origins in the same part of Europe.

owe

Many modern cooking techniques owe their origin to French culinary traditions.

go back to sth, lie in sth

The tradition of celebrating New Year's Day goes back to ancient Roman times.

in ~

The problem is financial in origin, so we need to find more money for the project.

of ~

The archaeologist carefully examined the ancient pottery to determine its origin.

sth's country of origin

The customs officer asked about the country of origin for each item in my suitcase.

have its origin in sth

The tradition of exchanging gifts has its origin in ancient religious ceremonies.

humble, lowly

She came from lowly origins but eventually became a successful doctor.

trace

Historians can trace the origin of this popular dish to ancient China.

betray

His nervous laugh betrayed the humble origins he had tried to hide from his new colleagues.

by ~

My grandmother was German by origin, though she spent most of her life in Canada.

in ~

The restaurant's menu is Italian in origin, featuring traditional recipes from Rome.

of ~

The chef's restaurant reflects her humble origins in a small farming village.