What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
origin
Example
The origin of the universe is still a mystery. [origin: noun]
Example
The word 'robot' has its origin in Czech. [origin: noun]
Example
She traced the origin of the problem back to a miscommunication. [origin: noun]
cause
Example
The cause of the accident was a malfunctioning brake. [cause: noun]
Example
Smoking can cause lung cancer. [cause: verb]
Example
He donated money to the charity cause. [cause: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cause is more commonly used than origin in everyday language. Cause is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while origin is more specific and often used in scientific or historical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between origin and cause?
Origin is often associated with a more formal tone, while cause can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
