surrogacy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “surrogacy” mean?
The practice or arrangement by which a woman (a surrogate mother) bears and gives birth to a child for another person or couple, who then become the child's legal parent(s).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice or arrangement by which a woman (a surrogate mother) bears and gives birth to a child for another person or couple, who then become the child's legal parent(s).
More broadly, any arrangement or process where one person or thing acts as a substitute, representative, or replacement for another, often in a formal or contractual context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. The legal frameworks and terminology within legislation may vary, but the core word is identical.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties. In public discourse, it can carry ethical, emotional, or religious connotations.
Frequency
Similar frequency, with slightly higher usage in the UK due to earlier and widespread media coverage of legal cases and the HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority).
Grammar
How to Use “surrogacy” in a Sentence
enter into surrogacyarrange surrogacylegalise surrogacyprohibit surrogacyregulate surrogacyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “surrogacy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They decided to use a surrogate.
- The contract surrogates the legal responsibility to the agency.
American English
- They decided to hire a surrogate.
- The law surrogates parental rights upon birth.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form in common use]
American English
- [No standard adverb form in common use]
adjective
British English
- They are in a surrogacy arrangement.
- The surrogacy agreement was carefully drafted.
American English
- They are pursuing a surrogacy journey.
- The surrogacy contract was finalized.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the commercial industry and contracts surrounding surrogate arrangements (e.g., 'The surrogacy market is growing.').
Academic
Used in ethics, law, sociology, and medicine to discuss reproductive technologies, rights, and regulations.
Everyday
Discussed in the context of family planning, celebrity news, or ethical debates (e.g., 'They are exploring surrogacy.').
Technical
Precise term in reproductive medicine and family law, with subtypes like 'traditional surrogacy' (using surrogate's egg) vs. 'gestational surrogacy'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “surrogacy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “surrogacy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “surrogacy”
- Misspelling as 'surragacy' or 'surogacy'.
- Using 'surrogacy' as a countable noun (e.g., 'a surrogacy') is rare; it's usually uncountable.
- Confusing 'surrogate' (the person) with 'surrogacy' (the practice/arrangement).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. There is a key distinction between 'commercial surrogacy' (the surrogate is paid) and 'altruistic surrogacy' (the surrogate is not paid, though expenses are covered).
'Surrogate' (noun) is the person who acts as a substitute, typically the surrogate mother. 'Surrogacy' is the overall practice, arrangement, or concept.
No. Laws vary dramatically by country and even by state/province. Some places permit it (commercially or altruistically), some heavily regulate it, and others ban it entirely.
Yes, but it's a formal and less common extension. For example, in politics, one might refer to 'voter surrogacy' where a representative votes on behalf of others, but 'proxy' or 'representation' is far more common.
The practice or arrangement by which a woman (a surrogate mother) bears and gives birth to a child for another person or couple, who then become the child's legal parent(s).
Surrogacy is usually formal / technical in register.
Surrogacy: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌr.ə.ɡə.si/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɝː.ə.ɡə.si/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SURROGate aGENCY – an agency that provides a substitute person to carry a child.
Conceptual Metaphor
BORROWING A VESSEL (the womb as a container temporarily used by another).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern context for the word 'surrogacy'?