What does begetting mean?
Begetting refers to the act of fathering a child, and by extension to bringing anything into existence. As the present participle and gerund of the verb beget, it carries strong connotations of lineage, generation, and origin, appearing often in biblical genealogies, legal discussions of paternity, and literary works. In older English usage, begetting was a straightforward term for male parentage, but in contemporary speech it survives mainly in formal, religious, or archaic registers. A figurative sense persists, describing how one thing gives rise to another—an idea begetting further ideas, or a war begetting lasting resentment. Because it evokes deep historical roots, the word lends gravity to writing about origins and consequences.
The act of fathering offspring or bringing something into existence.
"The chronicler recorded years of begetting and birthing across the royal line."
Almost always used in formal, religious, or literary registers today; rare in casual speech.
An instance or process of generating or producing, especially of fathering children.
"The poem meditates on the begetting of wisdom through suffering."
Before modern English softened it, 'begetting' was the word for the most ancient act of all — making life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of begetting
Begetting derives from the Old English verb begietan, formed from the prefix be- plus gietan, meaning 'to get' or 'to obtain.' The sense of fathering a child developed from the notion of obtaining or acquiring offspring, a usage attested since the earliest periods of English. It shares its Germanic root with get and forget, making them true cognates within English rather than borrowings. Over centuries, the word shifted from everyday speech into primarily literary and scriptural contexts.
Word family
Usage notes
Largely formal or archaic in register; frequently encountered in religious texts, genealogies, and literary contexts. The figurative sense of producing or giving rise to something is less common today but appears in elevated prose.
Don't confuse with
Beginning means starting something, while begetting means fathering offspring or generating something, often with a biological or archaic connotation.