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Pedigree: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：ancestral lineage (pedigree)
pedigree
/ˈped.ɪ.ɡriː/
n.
The record of an animal's ancestors, showing that it comes from a known and pure family line, especially for dogs, cats, or horses.
ancestral lineage
➕
/ænˈsɛstrəl ˈlɪnɪɪdʒ/
n.
A documented record of an animal's ancestors, indicating a pure and known family line, commonly for dogs, cats, or horses.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old French 'pie de grue' meaning 'crane's foot', referring to lineage chart shapes.
💡 Mnemonic
Picture a pedigree chart shaped like a crane's foot tracing family lines.
📖 Example
The champion dog's impressive pedigree listed several previous best-in-show winners among its ancestors.
The champion dog's impressive ancestral lineage listed several previous best-in-show winners among its ancestors.
🔗 Collocations
pedigree certificate – an official document proving an animal's lineage
purebred pedigree – a lineage from a recognized and unmixed breed
impressive pedigree – a lineage that is notable or excellent
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
mongrel (n.) – an animal of mixed breed or unknown origin
unknown origin (n.) – a background that is not documented or recognized
🌱 Derivatives
pedigreed (adj.) – having a recorded and pure lineage
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Old French 'pie de grue' (crane's foot), as genealogical charts resembled crane feet. Now commonly used in purebred animal breeding and to denote high-quality backgrounds in professionals or products.
Meaning 2：background of excellence (pedigree)
pedigree
/ˈped.ɪ.ɡriː/
n.
Used to describe a person's or thing's background, especially when it includes excellent education, training, or origin from a famous place, proving high quality.
background of excellence
➕
/ˈbæk.ɡraʊnd əv ˈɛk.sə.ləns/
n.
The background of a person or thing that includes superior education, training, or origin, serving as proof of high quality.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The startup founder's pedigree, with a PhD from a top university and years at a leading tech company, helped secure the investment.
The startup founder's background of excellence, with a PhD from a top university and years at a leading tech company, aided in securing the investment.
🔗 Collocations
academic pedigree – a background with prestigious educational qualifications
professional pedigree – a career background from renowned institutions or roles
proven pedigree – a background that has demonstrated high quality
🔄 Synonyms
credentials (n.) – qualifications or achievements that indicate capability
background (n.) – a person's experience, education, or origin
heritage (n.) – valued traditions or qualities passed down
🚫 Antonyms
unproven background (n.) – a history that lacks evidence of quality or success
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