modern synthesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Academic, Scientific, Formal
Quick answer
What does “modern synthesis” mean?
The mid-20th century fusion of Darwin's theory of natural selection with Mendelian genetics, forming the foundational theory of evolutionary biology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The mid-20th century fusion of Darwin's theory of natural selection with Mendelian genetics, forming the foundational theory of evolutionary biology.
Any significant integration or unification of previously separate ideas or fields into a coherent, contemporary framework (often used metaphorically).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage; it is a standardised scientific term in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. In broader metaphorical use, may carry a slightly more formal tone in UK academic writing.
Frequency
Exclusively high-frequency in evolutionary biology contexts; low-frequency in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “modern synthesis” in a Sentence
The Modern Synthesis [verb: emerged/occurred/was forged] in the mid-20th century.This represents a modern synthesis of [Field A] and [Field B].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “modern synthesis” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- modern-synthesis thinking
- a modern-synthesis perspective
American English
- modern-synthesis framework
- modern-synthesis biology
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May be used metaphorically: 'Our strategy is a modern synthesis of digital marketing and traditional sales.'
Academic
Primary context. Refers specifically to the biological theory or metaphorically in other disciplines.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be misunderstood or require explanation.
Technical
Core term in evolutionary biology and history/philosophy of science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “modern synthesis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “modern synthesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “modern synthesis”
- Using 'modern synthesis' uncapitalised when referring specifically to the historical biological event (it is often capitalised: Modern Synthesis).
- Confusing it with 'synthetic biology'.
- Using it as a synonym for any 'new idea' rather than a specific integration of major theories.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring specifically to the historical event in evolutionary biology, it is conventionally capitalised (the Modern Synthesis). When used metaphorically, capitals are less strict.
It is highly unlikely and would require immediate explanation unless speaking to biologists or historians of science. It is a specialised academic term.
They are largely synonymous. 'Modern Synthesis' often emphasises the act of unifying genetics and natural selection, while 'neo-Darwinism' can emphasise the updated, genetic-based version of Darwin's original theory.
It remains the core framework of evolutionary biology, but it has been extended by discoveries in genomics, epigenetics, and evolutionary developmental biology ('evo-devo'), leading some to discuss an 'Extended Evolutionary Synthesis'.
The mid-20th century fusion of Darwin's theory of natural selection with Mendelian genetics, forming the foundational theory of evolutionary biology.
Modern synthesis is usually academic, scientific, formal in register.
Modern synthesis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒd.ən ˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑː.dɚn ˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Mendel's peas MODERN-ised with Darwin's trees - the SYNTHESIS is the unifying theory that links them.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIDGING/CEMENTING: The Modern Synthesis acts as a bridge between genetics and natural selection, cementing separate ideas into one edifice.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Modern Synthesis' a foundational, historical concept?