Reading Theme:
Ecological: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide
Meaning 1：relating to ecology (ecological)
ecological
/ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/
adj.
related to the environment or the study of how living things interact with their surroundings.
relating to ecology
➕
/rɪˈleɪtɪŋ tuː iːˈkɒlədʒi/
adj.
Concerned with the relationship between living organisms and their physical surroundings, or the study of these interactions.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'oikos' (house/dwelling) + 'logos' (study) + '-ical' adjective suffix.
💡 Mnemonic
Echo + logical: imagine echoes in a forest, logically understanding how nature's sounds connect.
📖 Example
The new park is designed with ecological principles to support local birds and insects.
The new park is designed with ecological principles to support local birds and insects.
🔗 Collocations
ecological balance – A state of equilibrium among species and their environment.
ecological system – A community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
ecological footprint – The impact of human activities on the environment, measured in resources used.
🔄 Synonyms
environmental (adj.) – Relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity.
green (adj.) – Concerned with or supporting environmental protection.
conservation-oriented (adj.) – Focused on preserving natural resources and ecosystems.
🚫 Antonyms
destructive (adj.) – Causing damage to the environment.
polluting (adj.) – Releasing harmful substances into the natural world.
unsustainable (adj.) – Using resources faster than they can be replenished.
🌱 Derivatives
ecologically (adv.) – In a way that relates to or benefits the environment.
ecology (n.) – The branch of biology dealing with organisms and their environment.
ecologist (n.) – A scientist who studies ecology.
📖 Cultural Story
Coined in 1873 by German biologist Ernst Haeckel from Greek 'oikos' (house) to describe the study of organisms' 'house'—their environment.
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