Definition of stem from

The phrase "stem from" originally comes from the agricultural context of plant growth. "Stem" refers to the main upright part of a plant that supports its leaves and flowers, while "from" literally means "originating in." The phrase gained its figurative meaning, which is used to describe the origin or cause of something, in the early 16th century. In its original sense, "stem from" was used in a literal way in farming, where farmers would state that a specific plant "stems from" a certain farm or gardening location. As the phrase began to be used metaphorically, it came to describe the roots or source of an idea, event, or action. In this sense, it's still used today to denote the essential underlying factor that leads to a phenomenon or outcome. For instance, in the sentence "The tension between the two countries stems from historical tensions," we're using the phrase in its figurative meaning to describe the root cause of the conflict that has developed over time. In short, "stem from" has a rich history rooted in agriculture, but now it's an essential part of the English language, used to describe the sources or causes of actions and events beyond the simple growth of plants.