Words / B2

j-uh-NET-iks/dʒəˈnetɪks/

Genetics is the scientific study of genes, heredity, and variation (usually uncountable): human genetics; a genetics practical. Genetic is the adjective (already in the dictionary); heredity is the passing-on of traits. Genetics in the biology paper is not a synonym for personality. Mix-up: genesis; genetics vs eugenics (a different, loaded history topic). Do not write “a genetics” as a countable hobby.

Meaning

The scientific study of genes, heredity, and variation (usually uncountable).

Examples

• “Genetics in the biology paper is not a synonym for “personality”.”
• “A genetics practical still needs a named gene or pedigree, which is the inheritance-science sense.”

Good to know

human / plant genetics; a genetics practical. Adjective: genetic. Close: heredity / inheritance. Trap: genesis. Biology. The science of genes, not a mood or a horoscope.

Near in meaning

heredity, inheritance

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