B2 verb Neutral

endemic

/ɛnˈdɛm.ɪk/

Refers to a condition, species, or disease that is regularly found and restricted to a particular area or group of people. It describes something that is native to a specific region or deeply ingrained within a specific environment or system.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The giant tortoise is endemic to the Galapagos Islands and cannot be found anywhere else in the wild.

The giant tortoise is endemic to the Galapagos Islands and cannot be found anywhere else in the wild.

2

Economists argue that structural unemployment has become endemic in the post-industrial regions of the country.

Economists argue that structural unemployment has become endemic in the post-industrial regions of the country.

3

Complaining about the weather is basically endemic to living in London.

Complaining about the weather is basically endemic to living in London.

Word Family

Noun
endemism
Adverb
endemically
Adjective
endemic
Related
endemicity
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'en-' (in) and 'demos' (people). It is 'in the people' or 'in the area' permanently.

Quick Quiz

The lemur is a primate that is ______ to the island of Madagascar.

Correct!

The correct answer is: endemic

Examples

1

The giant tortoise is endemic to the Galapagos Islands and cannot be found anywhere else in the wild.

everyday

The giant tortoise is endemic to the Galapagos Islands and cannot be found anywhere else in the wild.

2

Economists argue that structural unemployment has become endemic in the post-industrial regions of the country.

formal

Economists argue that structural unemployment has become endemic in the post-industrial regions of the country.

3

Complaining about the weather is basically endemic to living in London.

informal

Complaining about the weather is basically endemic to living in London.

4

The study explores how certain pathogens become endemic within isolated populations over several generations.

academic

The study explores how certain pathogens become endemic within isolated populations over several generations.

5

The audit revealed that administrative delays were endemic to the company's procurement process.

business

The audit revealed that administrative delays were endemic to the company's procurement process.

Word Family

Noun
endemism
Adverb
endemically
Adjective
endemic
Related
endemicity

Common Collocations

endemic species endemic species
endemic disease endemic disease
endemic poverty endemic poverty
endemic to the region endemic to the region
endemic corruption endemic corruption

Common Phrases

become endemic

to become a permanent fixture in a place

endemic proportions

the level at which something is widespread within a group

virtually endemic

almost completely native or characteristic of

Often Confused With

endemic vs epidemic

An epidemic is a sudden, temporary outbreak, while endemic refers to something permanently present in a specific area.

endemic vs pandemic

A pandemic is an outbreak that spreads worldwide, whereas endemic is restricted to a specific local area or group.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'endemic' when describing a disease that is always present in a region (like malaria in some tropics) or a species found only in one place. It is also used metaphorically for social problems like corruption or poverty.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'endemic' to mean 'epidemic' (a sudden surge). Remember that 'endemic' implies a constant, baseline presence.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the prefix 'en-' (in) and 'demos' (people). It is 'in the people' or 'in the area' permanently.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek 'endemos', from 'en' (in) and 'demos' (people).

Grammar Patterns

Usually functions as an adjective after 'be'. Often followed by the preposition 'to'. Can be used as an attributive adjective before a noun.
🌍

Cultural Context

In environmental science, identifying endemic species is a priority for global conservation efforts to prevent extinction.

Quick Quiz

The lemur is a primate that is ______ to the island of Madagascar.

Correct!

The correct answer is: endemic

Related Words

ozone

B2

Ozone is a colorless gas found in the upper atmosphere that protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. It is also produced at ground level as a pollutant when sunlight reacts with industrial emissions.

layer

B2

A layer is a single thickness, sheet, or level of a material that covers a surface or is placed between other things. It can refer to physical substances like paint and geological strata, or abstract levels of complexity and meaning.

around

C2

As an adverb at a C2 level, it denotes presence, availability, or existence within a specific vicinity or context. It is also used to indicate approximate values or to describe movement or positioning that encircles a point or lacks a specific direction.

climate

B2

Climate refers to the long-term patterns of weather conditions, such as temperature and rainfall, in a particular region over many years. It can also describe the prevailing mood, conditions, or social atmosphere of a specific time or place.

immune

B2

Immune describes the state of being protected from a specific disease, typically through vaccination or prior exposure. It can also figuratively refer to being unaffected by something negative, such as criticism, or being exempt from certain duties or legal consequences.

virus

B2

A submicroscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism, often causing disease. In technology, it refers to a piece of malicious code that replicates itself to damage or disrupt a computer system.

species

B2

A species is a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. It is the basic unit of biological classification and taxonomic rank in the hierarchy of living things.

business

B2

Used as an attributive adjective to describe things related to professional commerce, trade, or work activities. It distinguishes professional matters from personal, social, or recreational ones.

contract

C1

A formal and legally binding agreement between two or more parties that establishes mutual obligations. In academic and legal contexts, it refers to the specific terms, conditions, and enforcement mechanisms that govern a transaction or relationship.

bonus

B2

A bonus is an extra amount of money, credit, or benefit added to what is expected or required. It is typically given as a reward for good performance or as an incentive to encourage future effort.

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