Langimage
English

progenitor

|pro/gen/i/tor|

C1

🇺🇸

/proʊˈdʒɛnɪtər/

🇬🇧

/prəʊˈdʒɛnɪtə/

originator or ancestor

Etymology
Etymology Information

'progenitor' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'progenitor,' where 'pro-' meant 'forward' and 'gignere' meant 'to beget.'

Historical Evolution

'progenitor' changed from the Latin word 'progenitor' and eventually became the modern English word 'progenitor'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'ancestor or forebear,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

an ancestor or parent; a person or thing from which a person, animal, or plant is descended or originates.

The ancient species is considered a progenitor of modern birds.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Noun 2

a person who originates an artistic, political, or intellectual movement.

He is regarded as a progenitor of the modernist movement.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/23 16:06