B2 adjective Neutral

biological

/ˌbaɪ.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/

Relating to biology or living organisms and their processes. It is also used to describe a parent who is related by blood rather than by adoption.

Examples

3 of 5
1

He finally decided to search for his biological parents after turning thirty.

He finally decided to search for his biological parents after turning thirty.

2

The study explores the biological mechanisms behind sleep deprivation.

The study explores the biological mechanisms behind sleep deprivation.

3

I think my biological clock is starting to tell me it's time for a nap.

I think my biological clock is starting to tell me it's time for a nap.

Word Family

Noun
biology
Adverb
biologically
Adjective
biological
Related
biologist
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Memory Tip

Think of 'Bio' (meaning life) + 'Logical' (meaning science/study) = the logic or science of life.

Quick Quiz

The children were raised by their aunt, but they remained in contact with their ______ mother.

Correct!

The correct answer is: biological

Examples

1

He finally decided to search for his biological parents after turning thirty.

everyday

He finally decided to search for his biological parents after turning thirty.

2

The study explores the biological mechanisms behind sleep deprivation.

formal

The study explores the biological mechanisms behind sleep deprivation.

3

I think my biological clock is starting to tell me it's time for a nap.

informal

I think my biological clock is starting to tell me it's time for a nap.

4

Biological diversity is essential for the resilience of any ecosystem.

academic

Biological diversity is essential for the resilience of any ecosystem.

5

Our firm specializes in biological research and development for the pharmaceutical industry.

business

Our firm specializes in biological research and development for the pharmaceutical industry.

Word Family

Noun
biology
Adverb
biologically
Adjective
biological
Related
biologist

Common Collocations

biological warfare biological warfare
biological parents biological parents
biological diversity biological diversity
biological clock biological clock
biological weapons biological weapons

Common Phrases

biological clock

the natural internal timing of a person's body

biological father

a person's natural father related by blood

biological hazard

a biological substance that poses a threat to living organisms

Often Confused With

biological vs biographic

Biographic relates to a person's life story, while biological relates to living organisms or blood relations.

biological vs organic

Organic often refers to food grown without chemicals, while biological refers more broadly to the study of life processes.

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Usage Notes

Biological is most frequently used in scientific contexts or when discussing family lineage to differentiate between legal and blood relations.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'biologic' when they should use 'biological'; while 'biologic' exists, 'biological' is the standard adjective in almost all contexts.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Bio' (meaning life) + 'Logical' (meaning science/study) = the logic or science of life.

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Word Origin

From the Greek word 'bios' meaning life and the suffix '-logical'.

Grammar Patterns

Attributive adjective: typically placed before a noun (e.g., biological factor). Does not have a comparative or superlative form (no 'more biological').
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Cultural Context

The phrase 'biological clock' is widely used in Western culture to refer to the age-related pressure to have children.

Quick Quiz

The children were raised by their aunt, but they remained in contact with their ______ mother.

Correct!

The correct answer is: biological

Related Words

badly

A1

In a way that is not good, effective, or successful. It can also be used to mean 'very much' when you want or need something a lot.

lineup

A1

A lineup is a group of people or things organized in a specific order for an event or purpose. It is often used to describe players on a sports team, performers at a concert, or a list of products.

thoughtful

A1

Thoughtful describes someone who is kind and thinks about the needs or feelings of others. It can also describe a person who is thinking deeply or carefully about a specific subject.

skull

A1

The skull is the hard, bony structure that forms the head in humans and animals. Its main purpose is to protect the brain and support the shape of the face.

recipient

A1

A recipient is a person or group that receives something, such as a letter, a gift, or an award. It is a formal way to describe the person on the receiving end of an action or object.

shy

A1

Shy describes a person who feels nervous, uncomfortable, or timid around other people. It often involves a lack of confidence in social situations or a hesitation to speak and interact with strangers.

shorts

A1

Shorts are a type of clothing worn on the lower part of the body that covers the hips and the tops of the legs. They are typically worn in warm weather or during physical activities like sports and exercise.

meadow

A1

A meadow is a field covered with grass and often wildflowers. It is a natural area where grass is allowed to grow freely, often used for animals to graze or for people to enjoy nature.

disrupt

A1

To stop something from happening in the normal way or to cause a problem that interrupts a process. It is often used when an event or a system is forced to change its usual flow.

scary

A1

Something that is scary makes you feel afraid or frightened. It is often used to describe things like horror movies, monsters, or dangerous situations that cause a feeling of fear.

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