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Domesticate: meaning, definitions and examples

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domesticate

 

[ dəˈmɛstɪˌkeɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

keep animals as pets or on a farm

To domesticate means to train animals to live with and work for humans. This process involves taming wild animals, such as wolves or horses, and adapting them to human environments. Domestication has been a key factor in the development of agriculture and civilization.

Synonyms

cultivate, tame, train

Examples of usage

  • We have successfully domesticated dogs for thousands of years.
  • People first domesticated cattle for their milk and meat.
  • The process of domesticating wild animals is a complex and gradual one.
Context #2 | Verb

adapt something for human use

To domesticate can also refer to the process of adapting something for human use. This could include plants, technologies, or even behaviors. The goal is to make these things more suitable or beneficial for human purposes.

Synonyms

adapt, customize, modify

Examples of usage

  • Farmers have domesticated various crops over generations for better yields.
  • The company aims to domesticate the latest technology for consumer use.
  • Domesticating new software can improve efficiency in the workplace.

Translations

Translations of the word "domesticate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 domesticar

🇮🇳 पालतू बनाना

🇩🇪 domestizieren

🇮🇩 menjinakkan

🇺🇦 одомашнювати

🇵🇱 udomowić

🇯🇵 飼い慣らす

🇫🇷 domestiquer

🇪🇸 domesticar

🇹🇷 evcilleştirmek

🇰🇷 길들이다

🇸🇦 تدجين

🇨🇿 zdomácnit

🇸🇰 domestikovať

🇨🇳 驯化

🇸🇮 udomačiti

🇮🇸 temja

🇰🇿 үйрету

🇬🇪 მოშინაურება

🇦🇿 əhliləşdirmək

🇲🇽 domesticar

Word origin

The word 'domesticate' originated from the Latin word 'domesticus', which means 'belonging to the household'. The concept of domestication has been crucial in the development of human societies, allowing for the transition from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agricultural communities. The process of domesticating animals and plants has shaped our world and continues to play a significant role in food production and companionship.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,503 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.