Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

UK: /bɪˈɡɛt/, US: /bɪˈɡɛt/

Definitions

• To father a child; to procreate.
• To cause something to happen or exist; to bring into being.
• In older or formal contexts, to be the origin of something, especially something significant or lasting.

Usage Examples

• "The king begot many heirs during his reign."
• "His actions begat a series of significant changes in the community."
• "The revolution begat new ideas and reforms."

Etymology

'Beget' originates from Middle English 'begen' or 'begiten', from Old English 'begietan', meaning 'to obtain, get, or father'. It traces back to Proto-Germanic *bigetan and ultimately to Proto-Indo-European roots meaning 'to acquire or obtain'. The word has been in use since the 12th century, particularly in biblical and literary contexts.

Synonyms

• Father
• Generate
• Produce
• Engender
• Spawn

Antonyms

• Destroy
• End
• Terminate
• Eliminate

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English: /bɪˈɡɛt/ (slightly softer 'e' sound)
• In British English: /bɪˈɡɛt/ (more enunciated 'e' sound)
• In Australian English: /bɪˈɡɛt/ (similar to British English with a laid-back tone)
• In Indian English: /bɪˈɡɛt/ (pronounced with slight variations depending on regional accents)

Historical Usage

'Beget' is a term deeply embedded in historical and literary contexts, particularly in biblical genealogies. It has been used for centuries to describe the act of fathering or generating offspring. The verb form has often carried a formal or sacred tone, especially in religious texts, where it is used to establish familial or ancestral lines.

Cultural Nuances

The term 'beget' is especially significant in patriarchal societies, where lineage and ancestry were considered central to an individual's identity and status. In biblical texts, it is frequently used to list generations, symbolizing continuity and legacy. While the word is now largely archaic, its cultural and historical weight remains in discussions about genealogy, inheritance, and familial roles.

More Information

'Beget' has long been a symbol of lineage, legacy, and the transmission of family heritage. While the term has fallen out of everyday usage, its place in religious, legal, and historical contexts remains significant. The verb's formal tone and its association with parentage make it a timeless example of the connection between language and culture, reflecting how societies viewed ancestry and progeny over the centuries.