Neotenic for Dummies
adjective
pronunciation: ,niʌ'tinɪkWhat does Neotenic really mean?
Student: Hi teacher! I have a question. What does the word "neotenic" mean?
Teacher: Ah, great question! So, "neotenic" is a really interesting word. It's not a commonly used word, but it's quite fascinating. Neotenic refers to the characteristic of retaining juvenile or childlike features even into adulthood. Basically, it means that something or someone still exhibits traits or qualities of being young or immature, even though they have grown older.
Imagine a puppy that doesn't grow into a full-sized dog or a person who still has baby-like features as an adult. That's similar to what neotenic means.
This word is used in different contexts, not just when talking about living creatures. It can be used to describe certain physical features or even behaviors. For example, let's say you have a pet turtle, and it's kept in an environment where it doesn't get enough sunlight or proper nutrition. As a result, it may retain its small size and even maintain some of its juvenile characteristics, like having a softer shell or keeping its baby-like patterns.
Similarly, in people, there are some individuals who may have traits or physical characteristics that make them seem younger than they actually are. Maybe they have a more rounded face or smaller body proportions. These are examples of neotenic features.
Just like how some toys, even when you grow older, can still remind you of your childhood, neotenic features and behaviors can remind us of youthfulness even in adulthood.
Now, it's essential to remember that being neotenic doesn't mean a person or something is immature intellectually or emotionally. It only relates to their physical appearance or certain characteristics, okay?
Student: Oh, I get it now! So, it's like something that stays young-looking even when it's supposed to be fully grown or mature?
Teacher: Exactly! You got it! Neotenic describes something that retains youthful qualities or features even when it's expected to have matured or become fully grown. It's like meeting someone who still has a baby face or seeing a dog that's still as small and playful as a puppy, even though they're not little anymore. So neotenic means that something hasn't fully "grown up" physically or has qualities that remind us of their younger self. Great understanding!
Teacher: Ah, great question! So, "neotenic" is a really interesting word. It's not a commonly used word, but it's quite fascinating. Neotenic refers to the characteristic of retaining juvenile or childlike features even into adulthood. Basically, it means that something or someone still exhibits traits or qualities of being young or immature, even though they have grown older.
Imagine a puppy that doesn't grow into a full-sized dog or a person who still has baby-like features as an adult. That's similar to what neotenic means.
This word is used in different contexts, not just when talking about living creatures. It can be used to describe certain physical features or even behaviors. For example, let's say you have a pet turtle, and it's kept in an environment where it doesn't get enough sunlight or proper nutrition. As a result, it may retain its small size and even maintain some of its juvenile characteristics, like having a softer shell or keeping its baby-like patterns.
Similarly, in people, there are some individuals who may have traits or physical characteristics that make them seem younger than they actually are. Maybe they have a more rounded face or smaller body proportions. These are examples of neotenic features.
Just like how some toys, even when you grow older, can still remind you of your childhood, neotenic features and behaviors can remind us of youthfulness even in adulthood.
Now, it's essential to remember that being neotenic doesn't mean a person or something is immature intellectually or emotionally. It only relates to their physical appearance or certain characteristics, okay?
Student: Oh, I get it now! So, it's like something that stays young-looking even when it's supposed to be fully grown or mature?
Teacher: Exactly! You got it! Neotenic describes something that retains youthful qualities or features even when it's expected to have matured or become fully grown. It's like meeting someone who still has a baby face or seeing a dog that's still as small and playful as a puppy, even though they're not little anymore. So neotenic means that something hasn't fully "grown up" physically or has qualities that remind us of their younger self. Great understanding!
Revised and Fact checked by William Rodriguez on 2023-10-29 11:06:02
Neotenic In a sentece
Learn how to use Neotenic inside a sentece
- Puppies have neotenic features such as big eyes and floppy ears, which make them look cute and cuddly.
- Some species of salamanders undergo neoteny, where they retain their aquatic juvenile characteristics even after reaching adulthood.
- The neotenic axolotl is a unique amphibian that stays in its larval form throughout its entire life, never undergoing metamorphosis into an adult.
- Certain insects, like ants, exhibit neotenic behavior, where adult workers retain juvenile characteristics and perform tasks such as caring for the young.
- The neotenic behavior of dolphins allows them to retain playful and social traits throughout their lives, making them highly intelligent creatures.
Neotenic Synonyms
Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.
Neotenic Pertains To
Words to which the original word is relevant