begats: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowLiterary, Humorous, Informal, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “begats” mean?
A list of descendants.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A list of descendants; a genealogical record.
Used to refer to a tedious or seemingly endless list of names, origins, or lineage, often with a dismissive or humorous tone. Also, in broader usage, can describe any lengthy, detailed, or monotonous enumeration of people or things.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare and stylistically marked in both varieties.
Connotations
In both dialects, the primary connotation is of biblical/archaic style or humorous pomposity when listing lineage.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech in both the UK and US. It may appear slightly more in written, historical, or religiously-inflected contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “begats” in a Sentence
the begats of [person/group]a list of begatsto recite the begatsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or religious studies to refer specifically to biblical genealogies or as a stylistic label.
Everyday
Very rare. Used humorously to mock a long list of names or origins ('He gave us the whole begats of how the company was founded.').
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “begats”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a begats' - incorrect). Confusing it with the verb 'begets' (present tense).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a valid, though archaic and rare, plural noun derived from the biblical verb 'beget'.
Only in very specific contexts, such as literary criticism or historical/religious studies discussing genealogies. In most formal writing, 'genealogy' or 'lineage' is preferable.
There is no standard singular form. The word 'begats' functions as a plural collective noun. The related singular action is a 'begetting'.
In British English: /bɪˈɡats/ (bih-GATS). In American English: /bɪˈɡæts/ (bih-GATS) with a flat 'a', or sometimes /ˈbiːˌɡæts/ (BEE-gats).
A list of descendants.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not a standard idiom, but used in phrases like] 'the begats and the begottens' (humorous extension).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tired person saying 'He BEGAT a son, and he BEGAT a son...' creating a long, boring list—the 'begats.'
Conceptual Metaphor
LINEAGE IS A LIST / HISTORY IS A CHAIN OF BIRTHS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'begats' MOST appropriately used?