What is reproduction? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of reproduction

reproductionnoun

/ˌriːprəˈdʌkʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of reproduction

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "reproduction." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcription and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˌre prəˈduk ʃən/

Let's break that down:

  • ˌre: This is a reduced "re" sound. It sounds like "ruh" but shorter. It's almost like you’re starting a "red" sound and then cutting it short.
  • prə: This is a schwa sound (ə). This is a very weak, unstressed vowel sound, like the "a" in "about." Think of just a short, quick "uh".
  • ˈduk: This is where it gets a little trickier. "duk" is pronounced with the emphasis (indicated by the grave accent ‘). It sounds like "duck" – with a slightly harder "k" sound.
  • ʃən: This is the “shun” sound, like in “ship” or “she.”

2. A Step-by-Step Guide to Pronunciation:

  1. “ruh” (ˌre): Start with a short "ruh" sound.
  2. “uh” (prə): Quickly followed by a very short, unstressed “uh” sound.
  3. “duck” (ˈduk): Now say “duck” with a slightly firmer "k" sound, emphasizing this syllable.
  4. “shun” (ʃən): Finally, add the “shun” sound.

3. Putting it Together - A Flow:

It should flow like: “ruh-prə-duck-shun”

4. Tips & Common Errors:

  • Don't over-emphasize the first syllable: The first syllable ("re") is often reduced and doesn’t get the most stress.
  • Avoid a drawn-out "re": It shouldn't sound like the full word "red."
  • The "duc" is key: Getting the "duc" sound right is crucial. Focus on that "k" sound and the pronunciation of "duck."
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken. You can easily find audio pronunciations on:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word reproduction in English

Let's break down how to use the word "reproduction" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. Biological Reproduction (Most Common Meaning):

  • Definition: This is the most common usage. It refers to the process by which living organisms create new individuals of their species.
  • Examples:
    • "Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of sperm and egg."
    • "Plants reproduce through seeds, cuttings, or runners."
    • "The reproduction rate of rabbits is incredibly high."
    • "Scientists are studying the reproductive habits of whales."
    • "The decline in bee populations is a serious threat to global food production.”

2. Production/Manufacturing (Business & Industry):

  • Definition: Here, it means the process of making or creating something, especially goods or products.
  • Examples:
    • "The factory's production line has been expanded to meet the demand."
    • "The company is investing in new equipment to increase its reproduction capacity."
    • "Production of the new smartphone is scheduled to begin next month."
    • "The reproduction of counterfeit goods is a serious problem."

3. Reproduction of Text/Images/Art (Copying):

  • Definition: This refers to making a copy of something – a text, an image, a work of art, etc.
  • Examples:
    • "The legal team is fighting to prevent the reproduction of copyrighted material."
    • "The museum allows visitors to take photographs, but reproduction of artwork for commercial purposes is prohibited."
    • "The magazine used high-quality printing to reproduce the details of the painting."
    • "The reproduction of ancient manuscripts is crucial for historians."

4. Reproduction of Ideas/Thoughts/Beliefs (Spread):

  • Definition: This means the spreading or dissemination of an idea, belief, or theory.
  • Examples:
    • “The ideas of Plato were widely reproduced throughout Western philosophy.”
    • “Social media has dramatically accelerated the reproduction of misinformation.”
    • “The artist’s work often explores themes of justice and social reproduction.” (meaning the perpetuation of ideas about justice)

5. (Less Common) Reproductivity (Ability to reproduce):

  • Definition: Refers to the potential to produce offspring.
  • Example: "Her low reproductivity made it difficult for her to start a family."

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "reproduction" will always be determined by the context in which it's used.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the meaning, you could use words like:
    • Biological: breeding, procreation, propagation
    • Manufacturing: production, creation, fabrication
    • Copying: reproduction, copying, duplication
    • Spreading: dissemination, propagation, spread

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "reproduction"? (e.g., a biology class, a business report, a discussion about art)?

Synonyms for the word reproduction

Practice with vocabulary reproduction

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The successful _____ of endangered species is a primary goal of conservation efforts.
  2. Unauthorized _____ of copyrighted material is strictly prohibited under intellectual property law.
  3. The rapid _____ of misinformation on social media platforms poses a significant challenge to public discourse.
  4. Companies are constantly seeking radical _____ to gain a competitive edge in the fast-paced technology market.

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

  1. Which of the following terms primarily describes the biological process by which organisms create new individuals? a) Metabolism b) Respiration c) Reproduction d) Photosynthesis

  2. In a legal context concerning intellectual property, which actions might infringe upon copyright? a) The authorized licensing of content b) The illicit distribution of copies c) The exact reproduction of a protected work without permission d) The critical analysis of an artwork

  3. Which of these scenarios involves making an exact duplicate or close representation of an original? a) A sculptor creating a unique, abstract piece b) A scientist cloning a specific gene sequence c) A printer producing multiple copies of a document d) An artist making a highly accurate reproduction of a master painting

  4. Which word is most appropriate to describe the process of making an identical copy of experimental data for verification? a) Elaboration b) Abstraction c) Replication d) Generalization

  5. Which term best describes the initial act of bringing something new into existence, rather than making a copy of an existing item? a) Duplication b) Creation c) Imitation d) Proliferation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The company managed to successfully copy the antique furniture, making pieces that looked exactly like the originals. Rewrite using "reproduction" or a related word form:

  2. Original: The documentary explored how certain social behaviors get passed down through generations. Rewrite using "reproduction" or a related word form:

  3. Original: Scientists need to ensure that their experimental results can be duplicated by other research teams to confirm their validity. Rewrite without using "reproduction" or its derivatives:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. reproduction
  2. reproduction
  3. proliferation
  4. innovation

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Reproduction
  2. b) The illicit distribution of copies, c) The exact reproduction of a protected work without permission
  3. b) A scientist cloning a specific gene sequence, c) A printer producing multiple copies of a document, d) An artist making a highly accurate reproduction of a master painting
  4. c) Replication
  5. b) Creation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite: The company achieved the successful reproduction of antique furniture, crafting pieces that closely resembled the originals.
  2. Rewrite: The documentary explored the mechanisms of social behavior reproduction across generations.
  3. Rewrite: Scientists need to ensure the replication of their experimental results by other research teams to confirm their validity.

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