Begetting

/bɪˈɡɛtɪŋ/ verb

Definition

the act of fathering a child; the process of producing or causing something to exist or happen.

Etymology

The present participle and gerund form of 'beget,' formed by adding '-ing.' This form is used both as a verb form and as a noun referring to the act of procreation.

Kelly Says

The Bible uses 'begetting' extensively to trace genealogies—'Adam begat Seth, and Seth begat Enosh'—making this word inseparable from the formal recording of human lineage and inheritance.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Emphasizes procreation as a male act in religious and legal contexts (e.g., biblical genealogies list 'who begat whom'). Obscures female reproductive labor.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'conceiving,' 'bearing,' 'creating,' 'producing,' or specify 'mutual procreation' when both parties relevant. Acknowledge female biological contribution explicitly.

Inclusive Alternatives

["conceiving","bearing","creating","producing","procreation"]

Empowerment Note

Maternal pregnancy and birth are reproductive labor historically erased by 'begetting' language; both parents essential to conception and gestation.

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