Word
upbringing
Phoneticsup·bring·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈəpˌbɹɪŋɪŋ/
UK/ʌpbɹˈɪŋɪŋ/
Españolcrianza
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the way you were treated and the things you were taught by your parents while growing up.
n. the care and training a child receives while growing up, specifically regarding social and moral development.
Examples
“Her strict upbringing taught her the value of hard work.”
“Despite a very humble upbringing in a small village, he went on to become a world-renowned surgeon.”
“Sociologists often debate whether a person's adult success is more heavily influenced by their genetic makeup or the specific environment of their upbringing.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
Usually singular; often modified by adjectives like 'strict', 'religious', or 'sheltered'.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse this with 'education'. Remind them that upbringing happens at home with family, while education happens at school.
Pitfall
He had a very good education at home.
He had a very good upbringing.
Use 'upbringing' for the social and moral lessons from parents; 'education' usually refers to school and academic learning.
Confusables
Education happens in a classroom or through study, while upbringing is the way parents raise a child at home.
RememberEducation is for the mind; upbringing is for the character.
Real-World Examples
“He also says he thought a lot about his upbringing when building the film's virus-stricken world.” “His chaotic upbringing is a matter of record.” Etymology
From Middle English upbringinge, equivalent to upbring + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
- 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
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/upbringing
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0