lamarck
C1/C2 (Low frequency, primarily in academic and biological contexts)Formal, Academic, Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A proper noun referring to the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (1744–1829).
Pertaining to the theory of evolution proposed by Lamarck, which posits that organisms can pass on characteristics acquired during their lifetime to their offspring.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This term is used almost exclusively as a proper noun (name) or as an adjective derived from it ('Lamarckian'). It is a niche term within the history and philosophy of science.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between UK and US English. The pronunciation may differ slightly.
Connotations
Neutral in scientific discourse; may carry a slightly archaic or historical connotation as his theory is largely superseded.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; used with similar rarity in both varieties within specific academic fields.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Proper Noun][Adjectival: Lamarckian + noun][Possessive: Lamarck's + noun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Central in discussions of the history of evolutionary biology, often contrasted with Darwinian natural selection.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used in evolutionary biology, history of science, and philosophy of biology to denote a specific, historically important but largely rejected mechanism of heredity.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The Lamarckian view was debated well into the 20th century.
American English
- Some epigenetic research is described as having Lamarckian overtones.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Jean-Baptiste Lamarck was a famous French scientist.
- Lamarck's theory suggested that traits animals developed during life could be inherited.
- While Lamarckian mechanisms are largely discredited, they provided a crucial historical framework for understanding heredity before genetics.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Lamarck claimed a giraffe's long neck came from 'stretching' (acquired characteristic) passed to its kids. Lamarck = Legacy (passed on).
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/IDEAS AS LEGACIES (Lamarck's legacy in biology); PROGRESS AS AN UPWARD LADDER (linked to his idea of a natural drive toward complexity).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating it as a common noun. It is a name: Ламарк.
- Do not confuse 'Lamarckism' (ламаркизм) with 'Lamarck' the person in translation.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing as /ˈlæmɑːrk/.
- Using 'Lamarck' as a common noun (e.g., 'a lamarck').
- Confusing Lamarckian inheritance with Mendelian genetics.
Practice
Quiz
What is the core concept associated with Lamarck?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the core Lamarckian mechanism of inheritance of acquired characteristics is not supported by modern genetics, though it was historically important.
Lamarck proposed organisms change through use/disuse and pass those changes on. Darwin proposed change via natural selection acting on random variation.
No, 'Lamarck' is exclusively a proper noun. The derived adjective is 'Lamarckian'.
Some discussions in epigenetics (heritable changes in gene expression not involving DNA sequence changes) are sometimes loosely, and controversially, described as having Lamarckian aspects.