From the M-W Editors
Examples of engender in a Sentence
The issue has engendered a considerable amount of debate.
a suggestion to go out for pizza that didn't seem to engender any interest
Did You Know?
When "engender" was first used in the 14th century, it meant "propagate" or "procreate," but extended meanings soon developed. "Engender" comes from the Latin verb generare, which means "to generate" or "to beget." "Generate," "regenerate," "degenerate," and "generation" are of course related to the Latin verb as well. As you might suspect, the list of "engender" relatives does not end there. "Generare" comes from the Latin noun genus, meaning "birth," "race," or "kind." From this source we have our own word genus, plus "gender," "general," and "generic," among other words.
Origin and Etymology of engender
Middle English engendren, from Anglo-French engendrer, from Latin ingenerare, from in- + generare to generate
First Known Use: 14th century
ENGENDER Defined for English Language Learners
engender
playDefinition of engender for English Language Learners
-
: to be the source or cause of (something)
Learn More about engender
-
See words that rhyme with engender Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for engender Spanish Central: Translation of engender Nglish: Translation of engender for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of engender for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up engender? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!