What does eugenically mean?
Eugenically is an adverb meaning in accordance with eugenic principles, especially those concerning the improvement of a population through selective reproduction. The word is used for actions, policies, or fictional systems that rank people or organisms according to inherited traits and attempt to control reproduction on that basis. In discussions of biology and animal breeding, it can describe deliberate selection for particular characteristics. In human contexts, however, it carries a strongly critical and historical association: eugenics was promoted in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as a purported method of social improvement but was used to support coercive, discriminatory, and sometimes violent policies. Consequently, “eugenically” now often signals the application or imitation of a discredited ideology rather than a neutral scientific process. The word is most useful when examining the language of selection, inheritance, social hierarchy, and reproductive control.
adverbIn accordance with eugenic principles, especially with the aim of improving a population through selective reproduction.
- In a manner based on eugenic principles, particularly selective reproduction intended to improve a population.
"The novel depicts a society in which citizens are ranked and selected eugenically."
"The policy sought to regulate immigration eugenically, treating inherited traits as grounds for exclusion."
"The author uses the fictional screening program to show how reproductive choices can be imposed eugenically."
Once promoted as a scientific solution to social problems, eugenics became closely associated with coercive discrimination and human rights abuses.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of eugenically
Eugenically was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to “eugenic,” which in turn belongs to the family of “eugenics.” The ultimate source is Greek eu-, meaning good, and genos or genes, meaning origin or kind, as reflected in the idea of being well born. The term “eugenics” was coined by Francis Galton in the nineteenth century for the proposed application of selective breeding to human populations, and “eugenically” developed as its corresponding manner adverb.
How eugenically is actually used
This is a specialized and relatively uncommon word with strong historical and political associations. In contemporary discussion it is often critical rather than neutral, particularly when referring to discriminatory reproductive practices. Its use in biology or animal breeding may be less politically charged.
Easily confused with eugenically
Eugenics is the noun naming the theory and practice of selective reproduction, whereas eugenically is the adverb describing an action conducted according to those principles.