Words / C1

in-JEND-uh/ɪnˈdʒendə/

To engender is to cause a feeling or a climate to exist: engender confidence, engender distrust. Cause is everyday and mechanical; create is broader. Engender is a formal essay verb for social and emotional results, not for “engender a sandwich.” Give rise to is the plain academic cousin. Do not overuse it; one engender per page is plenty.

Meaning

To cause a feeling or a situation to exist.

Examples

• “Clear feedback can engender confidence.”
• “Vague marking criteria engender anxiety, not effort.”
• “Open archives can engender trust in the process.”

Good to know

engender + feeling/situation. Formal for cause (usually social). Everyday: cause / create / lead to.

Near in meaning

give rise to

New