engender
UK: ɪnˈdʒɛndə | US: ɪnˈdʒɛndər
vt. to produce, cause, or give rise to (a feeling, situation, or condition)
vt. (archaic) to procreate or beget offspring
engender = en<cause/make> + gender<kind/type>
- en (from Old French "en-," meaning "in, into, cause to be")
- gender (from Latin "genus," meaning "kind, type, race"; later influenced by Old French "gendre")
Etymology Origin:
The word "engender" traces back to Old French engendrer, derived from Latin ingenerare ("to implant, produce"). The prefix en- implies causation ("make into"), while gender (from genus) refers to "kind" or "origin." Originally tied to biological procreation, its meaning expanded metaphorically to "cause to arise" (e.g., emotions, conflicts). The evolution reflects a shift from literal creation to abstract causation.
The debate engendered widespread public interest.
Poor communication can engender misunderstandings.
The novel’s themes engender deep reflection.
(Archaic) They believed the union would engender a strong heir.
His speech engendered hope among the audience.