WordGarden.iogenetically
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /dʒɛnˈɛtɪkli/
US
- /dʒəˈnɛtɪkli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a way that relates to genes or heredity
by altering genes through genetic engineering
Beyond the definition
Imagine building with LEGO bricks. Your genetic makeup is like an instruction manual that helps shape how you're built. When something is described as being "genetically" connected, it means it has to do with genes and the information passed from parents to children. It helps explain why a sunflower grows tall, why you might have your mother's eyes, or why some health conditions seem to run in families.
We use "genetically" when talking about traits that are inherited, such as hair color, height, and some risks for illness. A genetically modified organism (GMO) is one whose DNA has been changed, often to improve some of its features. So, if you hear about "genetically engineered crops," it means scientists have changed the plant's instructions to make it stronger, more nutritious, or more productive.
The word "genetically" refers to something that happens because of genes or is connected with heredity and DNA. Genes are small parts of DNA that carry information about traits and features that can be passed from parents to children. You can think of them as part of the body's set of instructions.
When we say something is "genetically determined," we mean that genes play a major role in it. Eye color, for example, is mostly shaped by genes, even though outside factors can matter more in other cases. If someone is "genetically predisposed" to a condition, it means they may have a higher chance of developing it because it runs in the family.
You will also hear "genetically" in science and farming. "Genetically modified" (GM) or "genetically engineered" describes plants, animals, or other organisms whose DNA has been changed using biotechnology. This is often done to give useful traits, such as resistance to pests or better crop yields.
The word can also appear outside biology. In linguistics, for example, two languages can be called "genetically related" if they developed from the same earlier language. So the word is useful when talking about inherited traits, disease risk, modified crops, or even the family history of languages.
Examples
- 1
Food science
The tomatoes were genetically modified to resist insects.
- Phrasegenetically modified
changed by altering genes
- 2
Family relation
Although the sisters were raised in different homes, they were still genetically related.
- 3
Disease risk
Some people are genetically predisposed to certain diseases.
- Patterngenetically predisposed to + disease/condition
more likely to develop it because of genes
- 4
Research animals
The two lab mice are genetically identical, so the researchers can compare them more fairly.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Personality
Personality is shaped by experience too; it isn't all genetically determined.
See also
Similar
- hereditarily
- by heredity
Shades of meaning
- biologically
- genomically
- congenitally
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- genetically modified
- genetically engineered
- genetically predisposed
- genetically related
Word family
Explore
- inheritance
- dna
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- geneticallyadverb