polygenesis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “polygenesis” mean?
the theory of multiple independent origins.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
the theory of multiple independent origins.
Specifically, the theory that human races, languages, or cultures originated from several independent ancestral sources, rather than a single common origin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Slight preference in British English for the related term 'polygenism' in anthropological contexts.
Connotations
Carries strong historical and scholarly connotations. In anthropological history, it is associated with outdated, often racist theories of human origins, and is typically used descriptively rather than prescriptively today.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general use. Found almost exclusively in academic historical or theoretical discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “polygenesis” in a Sentence
[theory/idea/concept] of polygenesispolygenesis [of + (languages/cultures/species)]debate between polygenesis and monogenesisVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polygenesis” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Polygenesis is not a verb]
American English
- [Polygenesis is not a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Polygenesis does not have a standard adverbial form]
American English
- [Polygenesis does not have a standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- The polygenetic model was heavily criticised.
- They examined polygenetic theories of language.
American English
- The polygenetic model was heavily criticized.
- They examined polygenetic theories of language.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in anthropology, linguistics, history of science, and biology to discuss theories of multiple, independent origins.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in specialized scientific and historical discourse, often with critical or historical reference.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “polygenesis”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “polygenesis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polygenesis”
- Misspelling as 'polygenisis' or 'polygenecis'. Using it as a synonym for 'diversity' or 'variety' without the core concept of independent origins.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Polygenesis posits multiple, independent origins for a phenomenon (e.g., human races, languages), while monogenesis argues for a single, common origin.
No. In anthropology and human origins, it is a historically significant but scientifically discredited theory. In other fields like linguistics or biology, it remains a hypothetical model for specific cases but is not the dominant paradigm.
It is extremely rare and would likely be misunderstood. In everyday language, terms like 'multiple origins' or 'independent development' would be used instead.
They are closely related. 'Polygenism' is more specific to theories about the multiple origins of human races. 'Polygenesis' is a broader term that can apply to languages, cultures, or species.
the theory of multiple independent origins.
Polygenesis is usually academic / technical in register.
Polygenesis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɒl.ɪˈdʒen.ə.sɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɑː.liˈdʒen.ə.sɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'POLY' (many) + 'GENESIS' (origin) = many origins.
Conceptual Metaphor
Origin as a branching tree (polygenesis = many separate trees; monogenesis = one tree with many branches).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'polygenesis' most likely to be encountered?