1. 造成；引起；导致
    To generate something means to cause it to begin and develop.

    e.g. The Employment Minister said the reforms would generate new jobs.
           劳工大臣表示，改革将带来新的就业机会。
    e.g. ...the excitement generated by the changes in Eastern Europe.
           东欧变革引起的骚动

2. 产生（能量）；发（电）
    To generate a form of energy or power means to produce it.

    e.g. The company, New England Electric, burns coal to generate power.
           新英格兰电力公司用煤发电。