Heredity & genetic

Question

What is the difference between heredity and genetic?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

The first is a noun; the second is an adjective. Heredity is the transmission of genetic characters from parents to offspring.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

What is the difference between heredity and genetic?

heredity This is a noun. The adjective is 'hereditary'.

heredity

2 a : the sum of the characteristics and potentialities genetically derived from one's ancestors

b : the transmission of such qualities from ancestor to descendant through the genes

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heredity

genetic This is an adjective, An alternative adjective form is 'genetical'. The noun is 'genetics' (treated as singular).

genetics

1 : a branch of biology that deals with the heredity and variation of organisms
2 : the genetic makeup and phenomena of an organism, type, group, or condition

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genetics

I can't answer from a scientific or technical viewpoint. Let me just comment on how I feel personally about these words.

If you say something is genetic, it sounds like you are talking about science. You are thinking of people as organisms.

If you say something is hereditary, it sounds like you are focusing on someone's family or ancestors.

You are thinking of people as people.

These statements sound OK to me.

His green eyes are genetic.

His green eyes are hereditary

His sense of humour is hereditary.

But not His sense of humour is genetic.

Best wishes, Clive

Heredity & genetic

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