Offspring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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offspring

[ˈɔːfsprɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

family relationships

Children or young of a particular parent or progenitor.

Synonyms

children, posterity, progeny, young.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
offspring	Used to denote the young of any species, particularly in biological or zoological contexts, and can include plants and animals. The scientist studied the offspring of the endangered bird species.
children	Refers to human young individuals in general, commonly used in everyday language and family contexts. She loves spending time with her children at the park. The school bus picks up children every morning.
progeny	Typically denotes descendants or the new generation, often used in a more formal or scientific context. The gardener was proud of the progeny of her prize-winning roses. The scientist observed the genetic traits in the progeny of the experimental mice.
young	Refers to the early stages of life in animals and humans, often used in casual conversation. The mother lioness fiercely protected her young. These books are very popular among the young.
posterity	Implies future generations, often used in a formal or historical context to talk about the inheritance of cultural, social, or physical assets. We must protect the environment for posterity. The monument was built for posterity to remember the brave soldiers.

Examples of usage

The offspring of the lioness are called cubs.
The offspring inherit genetic traits from their parents.
Offspring usually resemble their parents in appearance.
Parental care is important for the survival of offspring.
The number of offspring can vary among different species.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

biology

The product of the reproductive processes of an animal or plant.

Synonyms

descendants, offshoots, scions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
offspring	Commonly used in both everyday and more formal language to describe the children of a person, animal, or plant. It can refer to both immediate children and descendants in general. The dog and her offspring played in the yard. Parents always wish the best for their offspring.
descendants	Typically used in a more formal or genealogical context to refer to all individuals who are directly related to an ancestor, including future generations. She is a descendant of a famous inventor. The family reunion included descendants from several generations.
offshoots	Often used in a metaphorical sense to describe something that develops from something else, such as branches from a plant or subsidiary organizations deriving from a main one. It is not typically used to refer to human children. The new software company is an offshoot of the university’s research lab. They studied the various offshoots of the ancient tree.
scions	Mostly used in a formal or literary context to describe young members of a prominent or influential family, often with an emphasis on inheritance and lineage. He is the scion of a wealthy aristocratic family. The young scion was groomed to take over the family business.

Examples of usage

The offspring of this species are known for their fast growth rate.
Offspring are the result of the mating of two individuals.
In some species, offspring are born live, while in others they hatch from eggs.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Biology

Offspring can vary widely in their characteristics based on the genetics passed down from their parents.
In some species, such as reptiles, the environment can influence the sex of the offspring, showcasing an interaction between genes and surroundings.

Culture

In many cultures, the concept of offspring is celebrated through various rituals and traditions, emphasizing the importance of family.
Folklore stories often revolve around the adventures of offspring overcoming challenges faced by their parents.

Psychology

Studies have shown that parental behaviors and attachment styles significantly influence the development of their offspring.
The bonds formed between parents and their children can shape social and emotional skills throughout their lives.

Pop Culture

In popular media, offspring often appear as symbols of hope or continuity, such as in movies where parents fight to protect their children.
Songs and literature frequently explore the themes of legacy and the future generation as a way to reflect on an individual's life.

Origin of 'offspring'

Main points about word origin

The word 'offspring' comes from Old English 'ofspring', which means 'to spring off from' or 'to arise from'.
In many languages, similar sounding words denote the idea of something being born or emerging from a source.

The word 'offspring' originated from Old English, where 'off' meant 'away' and 'springan' meant 'to jump'. The combination referred to the young animals emerging from their parents. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the children or young of a particular parent. The concept of offspring has been essential in biology and family relationships, highlighting the continuity of life through generations.

See also: spring, springer, springiness, springtime, springy.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,535 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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