reproductive: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Academic/Technical
Quick answer
What does “reproductive” mean?
Relating to the biological process of producing new individuals of the same kind.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to the biological process of producing new individuals of the same kind; pertaining to the production of offspring.
Used metaphorically to describe the process of copying, replicating, or generating something similar, often in social, cultural, or mechanical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. The metaphorical/sociological use is equally common in both academic varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in scientific contexts. Can have negative connotations in phrases like 'reproductive technology' (ethical debates) or 'reductive and reproductive thinking' (critique of lack of originality).
Frequency
High frequency in biological and social sciences; lower in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “reproductive” in a Sentence
Adj + N (reproductive health)Prepositional phrase (crucial to reproductive success)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reproductive” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The study focused on the reproductive habits of the endangered Scottish wildcat.
- Access to reproductive healthcare is a fundamental right.
- She specialises in reproductive endocrinology.
American English
- The research grant is for studying reproductive cancers in mice.
- Laws affecting reproductive rights vary widely by state.
- The museum had an exhibit on dinosaur reproductive strategies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in 'reproductive technology' startups or 'reproductive cloning' in biotech.
Academic
Very common in Biology, Medicine, Sociology, Gender Studies.
Everyday
Limited, mostly in discussions about health, family planning, or nature documentaries.
Technical
Core term in medicine, zoology, botany, and assisted conception fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reproductive”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reproductive”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reproductive”
- Using 'productive' instead of 'reproductive' for biological contexts. Mispronouncing as /riːˈprɒdʌktɪv/ (stress on 'prod').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Productive' relates to producing goods, results, or being fruitful in a general sense. 'Reproductive' specifically relates to the biological production of offspring or, metaphorically, the replication of social conditions.
Yes, but usually in a metaphorical or sociological sense. For example, 'The system is reproductive of inequality' means the system tends to recreate or perpetuate inequality.
Yes, it is primarily used in formal, academic, scientific, and technical contexts. It is less common in casual everyday speech.
In terms of function, 'sterile' or 'infertile'. In terms of phase of life, 'non-reproductive' or 'senescent' (post-reproductive).
Relating to the biological process of producing new individuals of the same kind.
Reproductive: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːprəˈdʌktɪv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriprəˈdʌktɪv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The birds and the bees (euphemism for reproductive education)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-PRODUCE-ive. If something can re-produce itself or new life, it's reproductive.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRODUCTION/MAKING (Society reproduces inequality. = Society 'produces' or 'makes again' inequality.)
Practice
Quiz
In a sociological context, what does 'reproductive labour' typically refer to?