genetic
gb/d͡ʒənˈɛtɪk/ us/d͡ʒənˈɛtɪk/
B1
English
~ 4400
Senses
0 senses
adjective
technical
B1
property
1
Relating to genes or heredity
About genes and how traits are passed from parents to children.
Usage pattern:
[something] is genetic
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'genetic' with 'generic'; 'genetic' refers to genes, while 'generic' means common or not specific.
Synonyms
hereditary (Often used for traits or diseases passed down through family lines; slightly less technical.)
|
inherited (Common in everyday speech for traits received from parents; broader than strictly biological use.)
Antonyms
acquired (Describes traits or conditions developed after birth, not inherited through genes.)
Collocations
genetic disorder
|genetic material
|genetic testing
|genetic code
|genetic mutation
Themes
science
|biology
|medicine
|health
Examples
- Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease.
- The study focused on the genetic makeup of the population.
- Genetic testing can reveal a person's risk for certain illnesses.
- She has a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure.
- Scientists are researching the genetic basis of intelligence.
Learner examples
- Eye color is a genetic trait.
- Some illnesses are genetic.
- We did a test for genetic problems.
- My hair color is genetic.
- This disease is genetic.
adjective
technical
C1
property
2
Relating to origin or development
About the history or beginning of something, like a language or idea.
Usage pattern:
[something] is genetic
Common mistake:
Learners may overextend the biological meaning of 'genetic' and not recognize this origin-focused sense in academic contexts.
Synonyms
historical (Focuses more generally on events in the past; not limited to origin analysis.)
Antonyms
ahistorical (Not concerned with history or origins.)
Collocations
genetic relationship (of languages)
|genetic classification
Themes
linguistics
|history
|education
|science
Examples
- The two languages have a genetic relationship, sharing a common ancestor.
- In linguistics, a genetic classification groups languages by descent.
- The report traces the genetic development of the theory.
Learner examples
- English and German have a genetic link.
- The book talks about the genetic history of ideas.
- These languages have a genetic connection.
Grammar
Dictionary form
genetic
IPA
GB/d͡ʒənˈɛtɪk/
US/d͡ʒənˈɛtɪk/
Syllables & stress
ge - net - ic (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (net)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: genetic
Word family
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
nongenetic
adjective
Expressions
genetic code
1/d͡ʒənˈɛtɪk kˈoʊd/
fixed phrase
technical
DNA/RNA sequence controlling proteins
The set of rules in DNA or RNA that tells cells how to make proteins.
Examples
- Scientists cracked the genetic code in the 1960s.
- Mutations can change the genetic code.
genetic disorder
1/d͡ʒənˈɛtɪk dɪsˈɔɹdɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
Illness caused by faulty genes
A sickness that comes from problems in a person's genes.
Examples
- Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder.
- Many genetic disorders are rare but serious.
genetic testing
1/d͡ʒənˈɛtɪk tˈɛstɪŋ/
fixed phrase
technical
DNA test for traits or illness risk
A medical test to look at your DNA for certain traits or diseases.
Examples
- Genetic testing can identify carriers of certain diseases.
- She decided to undergo genetic testing before having children.
genetic makeup
1/d͡ʒənˈɛtɪk mˈeɪkˌʌp/
fixed phrase
All the genes of an organism
All the genes that a person, animal, or plant has.
Examples
- Exercise cannot change your genetic makeup.
- Twins share a very similar genetic makeup.
- Her genetic makeup makes her prone to certain illnesses.
- Your lifestyle can influence how your genetic makeup is expressed.
- Scientists compared the genetic makeup of two related species.
genetic engineering
1/d͡ʒənˈɛtɪk ˈɛnd͡ʒənˈɪɹɪŋ/
fixed phrase
technical
Changing an organism's genes on purpose
Changing the genes of a plant, animal, or other living thing on purpose.
Examples
- Genetic engineering has created crops that resist pests.
- Genetic engineering has led to crops that resist disease.
- Genetic engineering has produced crops resistant to pests.
- Some people worry about the effects of genetic engineering on nature.
- Scientists are exploring genetic engineering to treat illnesses.
- The debate over genetic engineering includes ethical concerns.