beget
UK[bɪˈɡet]US[bɪˈɡet]
v
to cause something to happen or exist.
v
(old-fashioned) to become the father of a child.
Etymology
the word 'beget' originates from the old english verb 'begietan', which meant 'to get, obtain, acquire'. this old english term was formed by combining the intensive prefix 'be-' with the verb 'gietan' (to get). the sense of 'procreating' or 'fathering' a child developed from the more general meaning of 'bringing about' or 'causing to come into being'. this semantic evolution from a broad concept of acquisition to the specific act of biological generation is a classic example of meaning specialization. the word has retained its core sense of causation, though its literal use for fathering children is now largely archaic.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from old english. it cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller, independent morphemes within its modern english spelling.
Examples
poverty often begets more poverty, creating a difficult cycle to escape.
according to the ancient text, the king begat three sons who would later rule.
technological innovation begets further innovation, accelerating progress.