Beget

/bɪˈɡɛt/ verb

Definition

To father a child, or more broadly, to cause something to happen or come into existence as a result.

Etymology

From Old English 'begettan' and Germanic roots meaning 'to get or obtain'; used frequently in biblical genealogies ('begat'), and the meaning broadened from physical parenthood to any kind of causation.

Kelly Says

The Bible's genealogies ('Adam begat Seth, Seth begat Enos...') used this word so repetitively that it's become almost comical, but in Shakespeare's time 'beget' still meant 'create' generally—now it's mostly reserved for biblical or archaic language.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Biblical/genealogical term emphasizing patrilineal descent. Women appear as vessels for male lineage; their reproductive labor is obscured by passive voice focus on male procreation.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'produce,' 'generate,' or 'result in' for clarity. If genealogy is relevant, use inclusive language: 'parent' instead of gendered ancestry terms.

Inclusive Alternatives

["generate","produce","result in","cause"]

Empowerment Note

Women's biological and labor contributions to reproduction are erased in patrilineal language; maternal lineage is equally valid.

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