B2 adjective Neutral

reproductive

/ˌriː.prəˈdʌk.tɪv/

Relating to the biological process by which plants and animals produce offspring. It often describes the organs, systems, or rights associated with the creation of new life or the copying of an original form.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Maintaining good reproductive health is essential for overall well-being.

Maintaining good reproductive health is essential for overall well-being.

2

The government is debating new legislation regarding reproductive rights.

The government is debating new legislation regarding reproductive rights.

3

I'm watching a documentary about the reproductive habits of penguins.

I'm watching a documentary about the reproductive habits of penguins.

Word Family

Noun
reproduction
Verb
reproduce
Adverb
reproductively
Adjective
reproductive
Related
reproductiveness
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Memory Tip

Break it down: 'RE-' (again) + 'PRODUCE' + '-IVE' (nature of). It describes the nature of producing something again (like a child or a copy).

Quick Quiz

Biologists are studying the ___ cycle of salmon to understand their population decline.

Correct!

The correct answer is: reproductive

Examples

1

Maintaining good reproductive health is essential for overall well-being.

everyday

Maintaining good reproductive health is essential for overall well-being.

2

The government is debating new legislation regarding reproductive rights.

formal

The government is debating new legislation regarding reproductive rights.

3

I'm watching a documentary about the reproductive habits of penguins.

informal

I'm watching a documentary about the reproductive habits of penguins.

4

The research focuses on the reproductive success of migratory birds in changing climates.

academic

The research focuses on the reproductive success of migratory birds in changing climates.

5

The pharmaceutical company is investing heavily in reproductive medicine technology.

business

The pharmaceutical company is investing heavily in reproductive medicine technology.

Word Family

Noun
reproduction
Verb
reproduce
Adverb
reproductively
Adjective
reproductive
Related
reproductiveness

Common Collocations

reproductive organs reproductive organs
reproductive system reproductive system
reproductive rights reproductive rights
reproductive health reproductive health
reproductive cycle reproductive cycle

Common Phrases

assisted reproductive technology

assisted reproductive technology

reproductive age

reproductive age

reproductive rate

reproductive rate

Often Confused With

reproductive vs productive

Productive means being efficient or producing a lot of goods/work, while reproductive specifically refers to biological offspring or copies.

📝

Usage Notes

The word is most frequently used in scientific, medical, and political contexts. It is almost always used as an adjective modifying a noun, such as 'system' or 'rights'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse it with 'productive'; remember that 're-' implies the continuation or copying of a species or thing.

💡

Memory Tip

Break it down: 'RE-' (again) + 'PRODUCE' + '-IVE' (nature of). It describes the nature of producing something again (like a child or a copy).

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 're-' (again) and 'producere' (bring forth).

Grammar Patterns

Attributive adjective (placed before nouns) Non-gradable adjective (usually doesn't take 'more' or 'very')
🌍

Cultural Context

The term 'reproductive rights' is a significant and often debated topic in global politics and human rights discussions.

Quick Quiz

Biologists are studying the ___ cycle of salmon to understand their population decline.

Correct!

The correct answer is: reproductive

Related Words

majority

C1

The greater number or part of a whole, specifically more than half of a total amount or group. It is often used in political or statistical contexts to describe a group that holds the most power or influence.

method

C1

A systematic, logical, and established procedure for accomplishing a task or conducting research. It implies a structured series of steps designed to achieve a specific result or to gain knowledge in a disciplined manner.

occurrence

C1

An occurrence refers to an instance or event where something happens or exists. In a broader sense, it can also describe the frequency or prevalence of a particular phenomenon within a specific context or dataset.

percent

C1

A mathematical term representing a ratio or proportion out of one hundred. It is used extensively to describe changes, statistics, and probabilities in academic and professional contexts.

percentage

C2

A percentage is a rate, number, or amount in each hundred, used to express a proportion or ratio relative to a whole. In academic contexts, it specifically refers to the quantitative measurement of a subset compared to the total population or data set.

periodic

C2

In an academic or library context, a periodic refers to a publication that is issued at regular intervals, such as a scholarly journal, magazine, or newsletter. It is characterized by its recurring nature and is often archived in series to track the development of research or news over time.

principle

B2

A principle is a fundamental truth, law, or rule that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, behavior, or reasoning. It can also refer to a personal code of conduct that guides how an individual chooses to act in various situations.

requirement

C1

A thing that is needed or wanted; a condition that must be met in order to achieve a specific goal or comply with a rule. In formal and academic settings, it often refers to a compulsory qualification or a mandatory standard of performance.

respond

B2

To say or write something as a reply to a question, statement, or letter, or to react to something by taking action. In academic contexts, it often refers to how an organism, system, or person reacts to a specific stimulus or event.

responsive

C1

Characterized by reacting quickly and positively to suggestions, influences, or stimuli. In technical and academic contexts, it describes a system or organism that adapts efficiently to changing conditions or feedback.

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