# upbringing

/ˈəpˌbɹɪŋɪŋ/ (US) · /ʌpbɹˈɪŋɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/upbringing
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. childhood raising

noun · CEFR B2

the way you were treated and the things you were taught by your parents while growing up.

For teachers: the care and training a child receives while growing up, specifically regarding social and moral development.

- Her strict upbringing meant she always had to be home by eight o'clock.
- His rural upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for the natural world that later influenced his architectural designs.

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.

## 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.

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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.