ENGLISH
REFERENCE

upbringing

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈəpˌbɹɪŋɪŋ// UK //ʌpbɹˈɪŋɪŋ// up·bring·ing

n. the way your parents or guardians treat and teach you while you are growing up. It includes the values and habits you learn as a child.

n. the care and training that a child receives while growing up, particularly regarding social and moral development.


SIMPLE

Her strict upbringing taught her the value of hard work.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite a very humble upbringing in a small village, he went on to become a world-renowned surgeon.

COMPLEX

Sociologists often debate whether a person's adult success is more heavily influenced by their genetic makeup or the specific environment of their upbringing.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English upbringinge, equivalent to upbring + -ing.

Usage

Usually used in the singular; when used as a countable noun, it typically refers to different types or styles of childhood care.

Pitfall

She had a good bring up.She had a good upbringing.Learners often confuse the noun 'upbringing' with the phrasal verb 'bring up'.

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