B2 verb Neutral

genetic

/dʒəˈnetɪk/

Relating to genes or heredity, describing traits, characteristics, or diseases passed from parents to offspring through DNA. It is frequently used to explain the biological origin of physical features or medical conditions.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I think my curly hair is genetic because both of my parents have very tight curls.

I think my curly hair is genetic because both of my parents have very tight curls.

2

The committee is reviewing the ethical implications of genetic modification in agriculture.

The committee is reviewing the ethical implications of genetic modification in agriculture.

3

He's got that tall build; it's definitely genetic.

He's got that tall build; it's definitely genetic.

Word Family

Noun
genetics
Adverb
genetically
Adjective
genetic
Related
gene
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'gene' which is the root, and add '-tic' like the sound of a clock. Your 'genes' determine your body's biological 'ticking' from the moment you are born.

Quick Quiz

Scientists are conducting ______ testing to see if the patient is at risk for the disease.

Correct!

The correct answer is: genetic

Examples

1

I think my curly hair is genetic because both of my parents have very tight curls.

everyday

I think my curly hair is genetic because both of my parents have very tight curls.

2

The committee is reviewing the ethical implications of genetic modification in agriculture.

formal

The committee is reviewing the ethical implications of genetic modification in agriculture.

3

He's got that tall build; it's definitely genetic.

informal

He's got that tall build; it's definitely genetic.

4

Recent academic studies have identified the specific genetic markers associated with this rare disorder.

academic

Recent academic studies have identified the specific genetic markers associated with this rare disorder.

5

Our pharmaceutical division is focusing on genetic research to develop personalized medicine.

business

Our pharmaceutical division is focusing on genetic research to develop personalized medicine.

Word Family

Noun
genetics
Adverb
genetically
Adjective
genetic
Related
gene

Common Collocations

genetic engineering genetic engineering
genetic disorder genetic disorder
genetic makeup genetic makeup
genetic testing genetic testing
genetic predisposition genetic predisposition

Common Phrases

genetic blueprint

genetic blueprint

genetic lottery

genetic lottery

genetic code

genetic code

Often Confused With

genetic vs generic

Generic refers to something general or a non-brand product, whereas genetic refers to DNA and heredity.

genetic vs congenital

Congenital means present from birth (regardless of cause), while genetic specifically means caused by genes.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this word when discussing biological inheritance or scientific research involving DNA. It is almost always used as an attributive adjective, meaning it comes before the noun it describes.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'genetic' as a noun; remember that 'genetics' is the field of study (noun) and 'genetic' is the description (adjective). Avoid confusing it with 'generic'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'gene' which is the root, and add '-tic' like the sound of a clock. Your 'genes' determine your body's biological 'ticking' from the moment you are born.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek 'genesis', meaning origin, source, or birth.

Grammar Patterns

Usually placed before a noun (attributive adjective). Does not typically have comparative or superlative forms (e.g., more genetic).
🌍

Cultural Context

In modern society, the term is central to ethical debates regarding CRISPR technology and the possibility of 'designer babies'.

Quick Quiz

Scientists are conducting ______ testing to see if the patient is at risk for the disease.

Correct!

The correct answer is: genetic

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