biologically
biologically — adverb
1. in a manner concerning how living organisms function, grow, and interact with th
in a manner concerning how living organisms function, grow, and interact with their surroundings and each other
The coral reef is biologically one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.
collocation: biologically diverse
Imran's research examines how these two species are biologically distinct despite looking alike.
Cactus and jade plant look alike, but DNA tests show they are not biologically related.
The new cancer treatment reprograms immune cells to attack tumors at a biologically active level.
- physiologically
more specific to body functions and processes rather than living systems in general
- organically
focuses on living systems as a whole, often excluding cellular or molecular processes
2. through natural genetic inheritance from one's parents, rather than by legal or
through natural genetic inheritance from one's parents, rather than by legal or social recognition
Nora is their biologically eldest child, though they adopted two more later.
DNA from a paternity test proved the man is not biologically the child's father.
collocation: biologically related
Tomás is biologically male, but he identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.
A DNA test showed that the two women are biologically half-sisters.
- genetically
more technical and precise; focuses on DNA and genes rather than general inheritance
- naturally
broader meaning; can refer to many things beyond genetic relationship
- legally
contrasts a relationship recognized by law with one based on genetic ties
- by marriage
specifically contrasts blood relations with in-law relationships
用法筆記
Frequently appears with "related" or "connected" when describing genetic ties between people.
biologically — adjective
- biologicallypositive
- more biologicallycomparative
- most biologicallysuperlative
1. relating to the scientific study of living things, including their structure, gr
relating to the scientific study of living things, including their structure, growth, and interactions
The biology students spent the afternoon collecting samples for their biological experiment.
Ayana borrowed biological textbooks from the library to study cell division for her exam.
collocation: biological textbooks
The natural history museum displays thousands of biological specimens from Asia and Africa.
Climate change is causing serious damage to many biological systems around the world.
On the biology exam, students answered a question about how fish use gills to breathe.
常見錯誤
2. created through or involving biological methods used in industry, farming, or me
created through or involving biological methods used in industry, farming, or medicine, such as those that use living cells or organisms
The farmers switched to a biological pesticide made from natural plant extracts.
collocation: biological pesticide
Ziad's company develops biological treatments that use enzymes instead of harsh chemicals.
This biological laundry detergent uses enzymes to break down grass stains without using harsh chemicals.
Scientists are testing a new biological method to clean oil spills from ocean water.
用法筆記
Common in product labels and environmental contexts. Contrasts with "chemical" to indicate natural or organism-based production.
常見錯誤
3. linked by blood or shared genetic material, rather than through legal ties such
linked by blood or shared genetic material, rather than through legal ties such as adoption, marriage, or step-family arrangements
Eliska never knew her biological father, who left when she was a baby.
collocation: biological father
Anong was raised by grandparents she considers her real parents, not her biological ones.
The adopted child may access information about her biological parents when she turns eighteen.
Mateo has a close bond with his stepfather, though they share no biological connection.
Under Japanese family law, the biological tie between mother and child determines custody.
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: here the word describes family relationships rather than the scientific field. Typically used with family role nouns like mother, father, parent, sibling, child.