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Copulate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿ‘Œ
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copulate

[หˆkษ’pjสŠหŒleษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sexual activity

To copulate means to engage in sexual intercourse.

Synonyms

breed, have sex, mate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
copulate

Typically used in scientific or biological contexts when describing the sexual union of animals.

  • During the spring, many animals copulate to ensure the continuation of their species.
  • The researchers observed the frogs copulate in their natural habitat.
mate

Used in both casual and scientific contexts to describe animals pairing for reproduction; can also apply to humans in a less formal way.

  • Birds usually mate during the spring season.
  • Some people believe humans are meant to find a lifelong mate.
have sex

Commonly used in casual or everyday conversation when referring to the sexual activity of humans.

  • They decided to have sex after dating for a few months.
  • It's important to discuss safe practices when choosing to have sex.
breed

Often used when discussing the reproduction of animals, especially in a controlled environment such as farming or breeding programs.

  • Farmers carefully breed their livestock to produce better quality meat.
  • The zoo has a special program to breed endangered species.

Examples of usage

  • They were copulating in the bedroom when I walked in.
  • In some animal species, copulation only occurs during specific mating seasons.
  • The birds copulated on the branch of the tree.
Context #2 | Verb

biology

To copulate also means to engage in the physical union of male and female reproductive organs for the transfer of sperm.

Synonyms

mating, reproduce.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
copulate

This term is often used in scientific or biological discussions to describe the sexual activity between animals or humans. It is a clinical term and might not be common in casual conversation.

  • The researchers observed the animals as they copulated during the mating season.
  • In some species, the time during which they copulate can be influenced by environmental factors.
reproduce

A general term used in both scientific and everyday language to describe the process of producing offspring. It can refer to any method of reproduction, including sexual and asexual methods.

  • Most plants reproduce through seeds.
  • Humans and animals reproduce to ensure the survival of their species.
mating

This noun describes the act or period of animals pairing for reproduction. It can be used in scientific contexts as well as everyday language when discussing animals.

  • The mating season for deer begins in the autumn.
  • Mating rituals vary greatly among different species.

Examples of usage

  • The insects copulated to reproduce and continue their species.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'copulate'

The word 'copulate' originates from the Latin word 'copulatus', which means 'joined together'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to refer to sexual intercourse or the mating of animals.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,555 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.