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Begat Meaning in English

word · lemma: beget

bɪˈɡæt
bih-GAT
bɪɡˈæt
bih-GAT

Definition

"Begat" is the past tense of "beget," meaning to father a child, especially used in older or biblical English. It can also mean to cause or bring about something.

Usage & Nuances

Very formal, archaic, and mainly found in the Bible or historical texts. Rarely used in modern English for everyday speech. Can be used metaphorically: 'Violence begat violence.'

Example Sentences

In the Bible, it says Abraham begat Isaac.

basic

He begat many children in his lifetime.

basic

The king begat a son and an heir.

basic

"Violence begat more violence," the teacher explained.

natural

His bad decisions begat years of trouble for the family.

natural

One small mistake begat a long chain of problems.

natural