Vocabulary Spotlight

Beget

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To cause or produce; to bring about, or to give rise to, especially in terms of offspring or ideas.

“Success often begets confidence and further achievement.”

Pronunciation

[bih-get]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Generate
Create
Bring about
Engender
Produce

Antonyms

Halt
End
Cease
Stop
Prevent

Related Words

Procreate
Reproduce

Word Origin

“Beget” originates from Old English “begietan,” meaning “to obtain” or “to acquire.” It evolved to mean “to produce” or “to father,” extending later to cause the existence of something abstract, like ideas.

Word Family

Verb: Beget – To cause or produce.

Noun: Begetter – One who causes or produces something.

Mnemonics

Think of “be-get” – to “get” something started or bring it into being.

Industry-specific Usage

Psychology

In psychology, “beget” may describe how positive reinforcement begets or promotes positive behavior in individuals.

Economics

In economics, success often begets further investment, creating a cycle of growth and prosperity.

History

In history, events often beget further developments, influencing societal progress.

In Context

“Beget” is frequently used to describe cause-and-effect relationships, both in literal terms, as with offspring, and figuratively, as with ideas or results. It emphasizes the generation of new outcomes.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which of the following is closest in meaning to “Beget”?

Generate
Halt
Prevent
Stop

“Generate” is correct as it implies creating or causing something to exist.

2. Fill in the blank: Hard work often _______ further success.

halts
prevents
destroys
begets

“Begets” is correct as it implies that hard work brings about success.

3. In which situation would “beget” be appropriately used?

Discussing the cause of social trends
Ending a meeting early
Preventing a problem
Completing a task

“Discussing the cause of social trends” is correct as “beget” means to cause or generate something.