juh-NET-ik-lee
/dʒəˈnɛtɪkli/
genetically is pronounced juh-NET-ik-lee (/dʒəˈnɛtɪkli/). Genetically refers to something related to genetics, especially the manner in which traits are inherited through genes. It describes processes, origins, or characteristics that are determined by genetic material. In discourse, it often qualifies explanations, experiments, or diseases as being inherited or influenced by genes.
Genetically refers to something related to genetics, especially the manner in which traits are inherited through genes. It describes processes, origins, or characteristics that are determined by genetic material. In discourse, it often qualifies explanations, experiments, or diseases as being inherited or influenced by genes.
- You may flatten the second syllable to /nɪ/ or misplace stress on the first syllable; instead, place primary stress on the second syllable: ge-NET-ic-ally. - The 'et' sequence often becomes a murmur; ensure it’s a crisp /ˈnɛt/ rather than /nət/. - The final -ly can reduce to /li/; avoid diluting the final consonant cluster; keep /klɪ/ or /kli/ clearly enunciated. - The initial schwa in the first syllable should not be an /i/ sound; practice with /ə/.
"Researchers studied the genetically diverse population to understand disease resistance."
"The plant showed genetically modified traits after several generations of cross-breeding."
"Genetically informed diagnostics can help tailor treatments to individual patients."
Phonetically it’s /dʒɪˈnɛtɪkli/ in US and /dʒɪˈnetɪkli/ in UK/AU, with primary stress on the second syllable. Break it as ge-ne-tic-ally: /dʒə-NEH-tɪ-klee/ in careful speech, but natural connected speech often sounds like /dʒəˈnɛtɪkli/; the initial 'ge' is /dʒə/ as in 'je-.' Emphasize the second syllable and keep the 'tic' syllable crisp. You’ll hear a light schwa on the first syllable in final realization.
Common errors: misplacing the primary stress (giving it to the first or third syllable); mispronouncing the 'gen' as /ˈdʒeɪn/ instead of /dʒə-/. Also truncating the second or third syllable, producing /dʒən-ɛ-tɪ-/ or /dʒɪˈnɛtɪk/. Correction: use clear two-consonant onset for /dʒ/ and maintain /-ˈnɛt-/ with short, unstressed middle syllables; keep the final /li/ as a light /li/ rather than /lɪ/ or /lə/.
US typically /dʒəˈnɛtɪkli/ with a rhotic r-color? No; rhoticity doesn’t affect this word as it ends with -ly. UK/AU commonly /dʒɪˈnetɪkli/ or /dʒəˈnetɪkli/ with less reduction in the first vowel. The main difference is the initial vowel quality: US often /ə/ (schwa) in weak syllables; UK/AU may use a nearer /ɪ/ in some speakers when unstressed. Overall, primary stress remains on the second syllable.
Two main challenges: the stress pattern across four syllables can be tricky and the sequence -et-ic- is quick, with a subtle /ˈnɛt/ vs /ˈnet-ɪk/ division. The initial schwa in the first syllable can be mispronounced as /ɪ/ or /eɪ/. Also the -ly ending often reduces to /li/ or /li̯/ rather than a full syllable. Practice the four-syllable rhythm slowly, then speed up keeping the secondary stress lightly on -t-.
A distinctive point is the mid- to high-front vowel sequence in the second syllable: /dʒəˈnɛtɪkli/ vs /dʒɪˈnetɪkli/ depending on speaker. Ensure the /ɛ/ in /nɛ/ is clear, not reduced to /ɪ/. The /t/ is a crisp, unaspirated stop in careful speech before the /ɪ/. Place the tongue high in the palate for the /tɪ/ transition, then relax into the /k/ for the /kl/ onset of the final syllable.
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- US: emphasize rhotic reduction in multi-syllable words; keep a clear /ˌ/ before /ˈnɛt-ɪkli/; ensure final /li/ is not reduced too far. - UK: slightly less reduction of the first vowel; keep /ɪ/ as mid-front; maintain clear /t/ and /k/ sequence. - AU: tends to similar to UK but may be slightly more relaxed in the first syllable; practice to keep tension in tongue for the /t/ and /k/ transitions.
Genetically is formed from the root genetics, which derives from the Greek word genetikos meaning ‘genetic, of or pertaining to birth or origin,’ from genesis ‘origin, birth’ + -ikos. The root gene/geno stems from the Greek gen, meaning ‘to beget’ or ‘birth.’ The suffix -ally turns the adjective into an adverb. The sense of ‘relating to genes or heredity’ emerged in scientific discourse in the late 19th to early 20th century as genetics emerged as a formal science after Mendel’s work was rediscovered. The word genetically began appearing in English medical and scientific literature in the 20th century, especially post-1950s as molecular genetics advanced. The term gained broader common usage with the rise of genetic research, genomics, and discussions of heredity, evolution, and genetic modification in society, policy, and media.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "genetically" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "genetically"
-lly sounds
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