Engender
/ɪnˈdʒɛn.dɚ/
verbC1
Definition
Engender means to make something happen or to cause a particular feeling or situation to exist. It is often used for things that are not physical, like emotions, ideas, or conditions. For example, one action or event can engender trust, fear, or conflict.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
To cause or bring about a feeling, situation, or condition
- •His speech engendered hope among the listeners.
- •The new policy engendered a lot of debate and discussion.
- •Poor communication can engender misunderstandings.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "engender" like "make" or "cause" (A1 words), but used for ideas, feelings, or situations, not physical objects
- ✓Picture a small seed planted in the ground growing into a tree—engender is like planting that seed for a feeling or idea
- ✓It's the feeling when your kind words engender happiness or trust in someone’s heart
- ✓Sounds like "in-GEN-der" → imagine a generator (machine that makes power) inside your mind creating new feelings or ideas
- ✓Think of stories or movies that engender strong emotions like fear or hope in the audience
- ✓NOT like "show" (which means to display something), engender means to create or bring something new into existence
- ✓NOT like "have" (which means to own or possess), engender means to cause or produce something, not just hold it
Try Other Words
- •Cause: to make something happen (Use when the situation is simple or physical)
- •Create: to bring something into existence (Use when emphasizing the start of something new)
- •Produce: to bring forth or make (Use when talking about results or effects)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "en-" (to put into or cause) + root "gender" (related to origin or birth)
- •Etymology: From Latin "generare," meaning "to beget" or "to produce"
- •Historical development: Originally used in English to mean "to give birth to" or "to produce," later expanded to mean causing ideas or feelings
- •Modern usage: Used mostly in formal or academic language to describe causing non-physical things like feelings, ideas, or conditions
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of actions or words do you think most often engender trust or respect in people?
•Can something negative engender positive feelings? How might that happen?
Fill in the blanks
1.His kind behavior engendered ___ feelings of friendship and trust among the group.
2.The government’s new law engendered ___ reactions from the public, both good and bad.
3.A lack of clear instructions can engender ___ and confusion in a team.
4.Engendering ___ in a conversation often requires listening carefully and showing understanding.
5.Sometimes, a small act of kindness can engender ___ changes in a person’s day.
6.Not all actions engender immediate results; some take time to ___ and grow.
7.The speaker’s words engendered ___ hope that things would improve soon.