Word
genetics
Phoneticsge·net·ics, stress on the second syllable
US/dʒəˈnɛtɪks/
UK/dʒɛnˈɛtɪks/
Definitions
01the field of study
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science Academic
n. the branch of science that studies how traits like eye colour or height are passed from parents to children.
n. the branch of biology concerned with the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in organisms.
“She decided to study genetics because she was interested in how DNA works.”
“Advances in molecular genetics have allowed researchers to identify specific markers associated with various hereditary conditions.”
Usage
Treated as a singular noun when referring to the scientific discipline.
Pitfall
The genetics are a difficult subject.
Genetics is a difficult subject.
When referring to the field of study, 'genetics' takes a singular verb.
Synonyms
02biological makeup
C1 · Advanced Plural noun Science Technical
n. the specific set of genes that a person or animal has.
n. the genetic properties or makeup of a specific individual, group, or species.
“Your genetics can play a big role in how your body reacts to certain foods.”
“The unique genetics of this isolated population provide a rare opportunity to study the long-term effects of genetic drift.”
Usage
Can be treated as plural when referring to the individual traits of a person.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“To collect the tissue samples necessary to analyze the baobab's genetics, Karimi had to navigate to remote parts of Madagascar and locate the trees.” “Miners were famed for their stamina, and with generations of pitmen in his family tree Milburn’s genetics shaped the way he played.” “Differences exist between males and females, across the lifespan as the body develops and ages, and between populations shaped by genetics and environment.” “This creates a valuable opportunity to investigate how language ability is shaped by both inherited genetics and environmental influences.” Etymology
From Ancient Greek γένεσις (génesis, “origin”). Coined by English biologist William Bateson in 1905 in a letter to zoologist Adam Sedgwick, and first used publicly by Bateson at a lecture to the International Conference on Plant Hybridization in 1906.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/genetics