domestication

/dəˌmestɪˈkeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · [dəmˌɛstəkˈeʃən] /dəˌmestɪˈkeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · [dəmˌɛstəkˈeʃən] /də-ˌme-sti-ˈkā-shən/ (ame, mw)

domestication — noun

1. the process by which humans take control over wild animals or plants, raising an

1.名詞B2
釋義

the process by which humans take control over wild animals or plants, raising and breeding them over many generations for useful purposes such as food, work, or companionship

例句

Domestication of wolves began thousands of years ago and gave humans their first animal companions.

domestication of [species] — standard noun phrase pattern

Bao's research focused on the domestication of ancient wheat varieties in East Asia.

同義詞
  • taming

    refers to individual animals rather than species-wide genetic change

  • husbandry

    emphasises the ongoing care of already-domesticated animals rather than the initial process of bringing them under human control

  • cultivation

    used for plants only; focuses on preparing soil and growing crops rather than genetic change

反義詞
  • rewilding

    the process of returning domesticated animals or plants to a wild state

  • feralisation

    the process by which a domesticated population becomes wild again

文法句型

domestication of [species]

用法筆記

Common in academic and scientific contexts when discussing the history of agriculture and animal husbandry. For training a single individual animal, use 'taming' instead.

常見錯誤

The domestication of my new puppy took only a week.
Taming my new puppy took only a week.
💡Domestication describes a species-wide process over many generations, not training an individual animal.

2. the process of becoming comfortable with home-related tasks and routines, or the

2.名詞C1
釋義

the process of becoming comfortable with home-related tasks and routines, or the settled condition of living a domestic life

例句

After years of travel, Quinn found the domestication of country life hard to adjust to.

collocation: domestication of [domain/place]

Some people see marriage and domestication as natural milestones that come with adulthood.

domestication listed alongside marriage as a life stage

同義詞
  • settling down

    less formal; focuses on the decision to stay in one place rather than the home-focused routine

  • household routine

    describes the concrete daily tasks rather than the psychological process of adapting

反義詞
  • wanderlust

    a strong desire to travel and avoid being tied to home

文法句型

domestication of [someone]

domestication to [something]

用法筆記

Often carries a slightly negative or mixed connotation, suggesting a loss of excitement or freedom in exchange for comfort and routine. More common in literary or reflective writing than in everyday speech.