generate

generate — verb

1. to make something come into being or become ready to use, often through effort,

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to make something come into being or become ready to use, often through effort, a natural process, or as an outcome

例句

The new government policy generated heated debate among local business owners.

generate + noun phrase (heated debate)

Dr. Camille Obi's research on coral reefs generated new questions about ocean health.

同義詞
  • produce

    more general; can be used for physical objects and results alike

  • create

    implies deliberate imaginative or artistic making; stronger agent focus

  • cause

    emphasises the trigger or reason rather than the process of coming into existence

  • give rise to

    more formal and literary; suggests an indirect chain of effects

反義詞
  • destroy

    ends what exists rather than bringing it into being

  • eliminate

    removes something from existence entirely

文法句型

generate + noun phrase (result / product / effect)

用法筆記

Frequently used in passive voice, especially in business and academic writing. The subject is typically a process, system, action, or situation rather than a person acting deliberately.

常見錯誤

❌The artist generated a beautiful painting.
✅The artist created a beautiful painting.
💡'Generate' suggests a process or system producing a result; 'create' is better for skilled artistic or imaginative work.

2. to make a form of energy, such as electricity, heat, or power, available for use

2.動詞及物B1
釋義

to make a form of energy, such as electricity, heat, or power, available for use

例句

Solar panels on the roof generate enough electricity to power the entire house.

collocation: generate + electricity

The new wind farm is expected to generate clean energy for fifty thousand homes.

passive infinitive: is expected to generate

同義詞
  • produce

    broader term; works for energy but also for physical goods

  • make

    informal alternative; less precise for technical energy contexts

反義詞
  • consume

    uses energy rather than producing it

  • use up

    depletes energy supply

文法句型

generate + type of energy (electricity / power / heat)

用法筆記

Commonly used with renewable energy sources as the subject (solar panels, wind turbines, dams). The object is almost always a form of energy — electricity, power, heat, or steam. The related noun 'generator' names the device that performs this action.

常見錯誤

❌The factory generates cars.
✅The factory produces cars.
💡'Generate' is not used for manufacturing physical products; use 'produce' or 'make' instead.