Words / B1

j-uh-NET-ik/dʒəˈnetɪk/

Genetic means connected with genes: genetic risk; genetic testing; a genetic condition. Hereditary is a close twin for traits passed in families. Gene is the noun. Do not use genetic for anything you learned at school — that is educational. Counsellors explain genetic risk before screening.

Meaning

Connected with genes and inherited traits.

Examples

• “Counsellors explained the genetic risk before the screening.”
• “It is a genetic condition, not an infection you can catch.”

Good to know

genetic risk / testing / condition. Noun: gene. Close (family traits): hereditary. Not “learned at school”. NHS genetics.

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