What is pedigree? Pronunciation and usage in English

pedigree means . Learn how to pronounce and use pedigree through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of pedigree

pedigreenoun

/ˈpedɪɡriː//ˈpedɪɡriː/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "pedigree." It's a tricky one for many English learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈpɛdəˌɡriː/ (pee-deh-GREES)

Let's break that down further:

  • pee: Like the sound you make when you pee. (Short "i" sound)
  • deh: Like the word "day" – a short "e" sound.
  • GREES: This is the key part. It sounds like "greets" – with the emphasis on the "ee" sound. It’s a long "e" sound.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown with phonetic symbols (IPA):

  • p - as in "pen"
  • e - as in "bed" (short e)
  • d - as in "dog"
  • e - as in "say" (long e)
  • g - as in "go"
  • r - as in "run"
  • e - as in "bed" (short e)
  • y - as in "yes"

Tips for getting it right:

To help me tailor the advice, would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word pedigree in English

Let's break down how to use the word "pedigree" in English. It's a word with a few distinct meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. Primarily: Animal Lineage (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage. "Pedigree" refers to the recorded history of ancestors of an animal, particularly a dog, cat, horse, or livestock. It shows the lineage and breeding of the animal.
  • Example: “The breeder showed me the dog’s pedigree, highlighting its champion bloodlines.”
  • Example: “We’re looking for a Labrador with a strong pedigree for retrieving waterfowl.”
  • Key Phrases:
    • “a purebred dog with a good pedigree” (meaning the animal is from a long line of documented, desirable ancestors)
    • “trace the pedigree” (to investigate the ancestry)
    • “a well-established pedigree” (meaning the lineage is long and respected)

2. Figuratively: Family History/Background (Less Common, more sophisticated)

  • Meaning: "Pedigree" can be used metaphorically to describe a person’s or family’s background, lineage, or reputation. It suggests an esteemed or respectable past.
  • Example: "The company has a strong pedigree in the automotive industry, dating back to the early 20th century." (Here, it means the company has a long and successful history).
  • Example: “She comes from a family with a fascinating pedigree of artists and intellectuals.” (Suggesting a lineage of creative and intelligent people).
  • Caution: This usage is less common and can sound a bit formal or pretentious if used inappropriately. It’s best reserved for situations where you want to emphasize a respected history.

3. Legal/Genealogical Context (Rare)

  • Meaning: In legal or genealogical contexts, it can refer to a record of ancestry and ownership, used to establish legal rights or prove inheritance.

Here's a table to summarize:

Usage Meaning Example
Animal Lineage Record of ancestors of an animal “The foal's pedigree showed its thoroughbred heritage.”
Figurative Esteemed family background/reputation “The university has a pedigree of academic excellence.”

Tips for Using "Pedigree":

  • Context is crucial: Always consider the context to understand how the word is being used.
  • Be specific when referring to animals: When talking about animals, being specific about the species is helpful.
  • Don’t overuse the figurative usage: It can sound overly formal.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "pedigree"? (e.g., are you writing about animals, talking about a company's history, or something else?)

Synonyms for the word pedigree

Practice with vocabulary pedigree

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The art dealer carefully examined the painting's __________, confirming its origin and authenticity.
  2. To maintain the breed's purity, only dogs with a verifiable _________ are allowed to be registered.
  3. Despite his humble beginnings, the CEO built a formidable professional __________ through sheer hard work and astute decisions.
  4. Her ________ as a tenacious negotiator was established early in her career, making her a formidable opponent in any discussion.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The university prides itself on its strong academic __________, attracting scholars with exceptional research backgrounds. a) lineage b) tradition c) pedigree d) heritage e) foundation

  2. The startup, despite its innovative product, lacked the industry __________ that established corporations possessed, making some investors hesitant. a) legacy b) reputation c) pedigree d) credibility e) renown

  3. The antique furniture's intricate carvings and documented __________ suggested it belonged to a royal collection. a) origin b) ancestry c) provenance d) heritage e) pedigree

  4. The new CEO aimed to leave a lasting _________ of innovation and ethical leadership for future generations of employees. a) heritage b) lineage c) legacy d) ancestry e) tradition

  5. Effective communication often hinges on demonstrating one's __________ and expertise in the subject matter. a) reputation b) conviction c) standing d) credibility e) authority

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the following sentence using the word "pedigree" or a related word form: Original: The rare breed of horse had a meticulously documented lineage that went back several centuries.

  2. Rewrite the following sentence, incorporating the word "pedigree": Original: Her extensive academic background from prestigious institutions gave her a strong advantage in securing the research grant.

  3. Rewrite the following sentence, replacing the underlined phrase with a single suitable word (do NOT use "pedigree" or any of its forms): Original: The historical documents revealed the precise origin and history of the ancient artifact.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. provenance
  2. pedigree
  3. pedigree
  4. reputation

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) pedigree (a) lineage could also fit in some contexts, but c is more precise for distinguished background)
  2. b) reputation, c) pedigree, d) credibility
  3. a) origin, c) provenance, e) pedigree
  4. c) legacy
  5. a) reputation, d) credibility, e) authority

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The rare breed of horse had a meticulously documented pedigree that went back several centuries.
  2. Her extensive academic pedigree from prestigious institutions gave her a strong advantage in securing the research grant.
  3. The historical documents revealed the precise provenance of the ancient artifact.

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