# genetically

/dʒəˈnɛtɪkɫi/ (US) · /dʒɛnˈɛtɪkli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/genetically
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. biological inheritance

adverb · CEFR B2 · Academic

in a way that relates to genes or the DNA you get from your parents.

For teachers: in a manner relating to genes, heredity, or the study of genetics.

- Some people are genetically more likely to have blue eyes than others.
- Researchers are investigating whether certain populations are genetically predisposed to these metabolic conditions due to long-term environmental adaptations.

Usage: Often used to modify adjectives like 'modified', 'predisposed', or 'encoded'.

### 2. origin or development

adverb · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

relating to how something started or developed over time.

For teachers: relating to the origin, historical development, or causal antecedents of a phenomenon.

- The two different styles of music are genetically related through a common ancestor.
- The essay argues that these legal concepts are genetically linked to Roman law, despite their modern appearance.

Teaching tip: This is a figurative use; it treats the history of an idea or object like biological DNA.

### 3. language families

adverb · CEFR C2 · Technical · Academic

describing languages that come from the same original language.

For teachers: relating to the relationship between languages that descend from a common proto-language.

- English and German are genetically related because they both come from an older Germanic language.
- Comparative linguists use specific phonetic markers to prove that these two language groups are genetically related rather than just sharing borrowed vocabulary.

## Examples

- Some people are genetically more likely to be tall.
- Scientists can now modify crops genetically to make them more resistant to dry weather and pests.
- The two species appear identical to the naked eye, but they are genetically distinct and cannot interbreed in the wild.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.