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Surrogate: meaning, definitions and examples

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surrogate

 

[ˈsʌrəɡət ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in technology

A surrogate is a substitute or replacement for something else. In technology, a surrogate can refer to a placeholder object that represents another object. It is commonly used in programming and database management.

Synonyms

proxy, replacement, stand-in, substitute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surrogate

The word 'surrogate' was already defined above.

  • Duplicate entry, already covered in the first definition
substitute

Used broadly when someone or something takes the place of another, often temporary or in less formal settings.

  • The teacher was sick, so a substitute was called in
  • You can use applesauce as a substitute for oil in this cake recipe
replacement

Used when referring to something or someone taking the place of another, often implying a direct swap.

  • The company provided a replacement for the faulty product
  • After the old coach retired, they needed a suitable replacement
stand-in

Used when someone temporarily takes over another person's role, often in acting or performance contexts.

  • The actor was feeling unwell, so a stand-in was used for the rehearsal
  • She was the stand-in for the main actress during the stunt scenes
proxy

Typically used when someone is authorized to act on behalf of another, often in formal or legal settings.

  • He appointed his trusted friend as his legal proxy to sign the documents
  • Voting by proxy is common in corporate meetings

Examples of usage

  • Developers use surrogates to optimize the performance of their applications.
  • The surrogate key in a database table helps uniquely identify each record.
Context #2 | Noun

in genetics

In genetics, a surrogate can refer to a mother that carries a child on behalf of another person or couple. This process is known as surrogacy and involves the implantation of an embryo into the surrogate mother.

Synonyms

gestational carrier, stand-in, substitute, surrogate mother.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
surrogate

Usually refers to a person who is acting on behalf of another in various contexts. Often used in legal or formal situations.

  • He served as a surrogate decision-maker while she was incapacitated.
  • The company appointed a surrogate CEO to manage the transition.
substitute

A general term that can be used in various contexts to describe someone or something that takes the place of another. Can be used in educational, professional, or everyday settings.

  • The teacher was sick, so we had a substitute for the day.
  • The chef recommended a substitute ingredient when the original ones weren't available.
stand-in

Commonly used in more casual or entertainment contexts to describe someone temporarily taking the place of another person, often in a performance setting.

  • The actor had a stand-in for the complex stunts.
  • She worked as a stand-in for the lead actress during rehearsals.
surrogate mother

Specifically used to describe a woman who carries a pregnancy for another person or couple. Could refer to both scenarios where the surrogate mother is genetically related to the child or not.

  • They found a surrogate mother through an agency.
  • The surrogate mother had to undergo numerous medical tests.
gestational carrier

Specifically used in medical contexts to refer to a woman who carries a pregnancy for another person or couple. The baby is not genetically related to the gestational carrier.

  • They opted for a gestational carrier after multiple failed IVF attempts.
  • The couple chose a gestational carrier to have their child.

Examples of usage

  • The couple opted for surrogacy to fulfill their dream of having a child.
  • The surrogate mother provided a nurturing environment for the developing fetus.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'surrogatus', meaning 'substitute'.
  • It was first used in English in the 15th century, referring to someone appointed to act for another.
  • The term originally described someone acting on behalf of another in legal matters.

Medical Context

  • Surrogacy allows individuals or couples who cannot conceive to have a biological child.
  • There are two main types of surrogacy: traditional (where the surrogate is the biological mother) and gestational (where the egg is from another woman).
  • The first known gestational surrogacy was successfully completed in the 1980s, revolutionizing reproductive options.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Many cultures throughout history have had practices similar to modern surrogacy, often involving family members helping one another.
  • Surrogacy can boost the social status of a woman in some communities, particularly if she bears children for others.
  • In certain societies, surrogates are celebrated for their role in continuing family lines.

Legal Aspects

  • Surrogacy laws vary significantly around the world, with some countries banning it outright.
  • In some places, contracts between intended parents and surrogates are legally enforceable, while in others they are not.
  • Issues surrounding parental rights are common in surrogacy cases, often needing substantial legal clarification.

Ethical Considerations

  • Surrogacy raises questions about the treatment of surrogates, especially regarding compensation and autonomy.
  • Critics argue that surrogacy can commodify human life, while supporters see it as a compassionate option for creating families.
  • Discussions often revolve around how to protect all parties involved, including the surrogate, the intended parents, and the child.

Translations

Translations of the word "surrogate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 substituto

🇮🇳 प्रतिनिधि

🇩🇪 Ersatz

🇮🇩 pengganti

🇺🇦 заступник

🇵🇱 zastępca

🇯🇵 代理

🇫🇷 substitut

🇪🇸 sustituto

🇹🇷 vekil

🇰🇷 대리

🇸🇦 بديل

🇨🇿 náhradník

🇸🇰 náhradník

🇨🇳 代理

🇸🇮 nadomestek

🇮🇸 staðgengill

🇰🇿 орынбасар

🇬🇪 მონაცვლე

🇦🇿 əvəzlik

🇲🇽 sustituto

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,340, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.