What does "recessive" mean?
A gene that is recessive.
Recessive
/ɹɪˈsɛsɪv/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A gene that is recessive.
- Grammar: recessive is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: atavistic, hidden, latent, masked.
- Useful contrasts: dominant, dominant allele, dominant authority.
- Usage evidence: 1944 June 21, James A. G. Rehn, South African Bird-Locust Records and Notes (Orthoptera; Acrididae; Cyrtacanthacridinae; Group Cyrtacanthacres), Notulae Naturae, Number 137, Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, page 3, The Lydenburg male and the other two females have the infuscate pattern definitely more recessive and less evident, although traceable.
How to use "recessive"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "recessive" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "recessive" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "recessive" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "recessive" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "atavistic" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A gene that is recessive.
"Suppose, for example, that we started with a population consisting of pure dominants, heterozygotes, and recessives in the ratio 1 : 4 : 4."
- 2 an allele that produces its characteristic phenotype only when its paired allele is identical wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Going back; receding.
- 2 Able to be masked by a dominant allele or trait.
"1944 June 21, James A. G. Rehn, South African Bird-Locust Records and Notes (Orthoptera; Acrididae; Cyrtacanthacridinae; Group Cyrtacanthacres), Notulae Naturae, Number 137, Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, page 3, The Lydenburg male and the other two females have the infuscate pattern definitely more recessive and less evident, although traceable."
- 3 Not dominant; whose effect is masked by stronger effects. broadly
"The worker–client relationship is more recessive and has a more catalytic and enabling quality."
Adjective
- 1 (of genes) producing its characteristic phenotype only when its allele is identical wordnet
- 2 of or pertaining to a recession wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"1944 June 21, James A. G. Rehn, South African Bird-Locust Records and Notes (Orthoptera; Acrididae; Cyrtacanthacridinae; Group Cyrtacanthacres), Notulae Naturae, Number 137, Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, page 3, The Lydenburg male and the other two females have the infuscate pattern definitely more recessive and less evident, although traceable."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "recessive"?
Common synonyms include: atavistic, hidden, latent, masked, reactionary, recedent.
How do you use "recessive" in a sentence?
1944 June 21, James A. G. Rehn, South African Bird-Locust Records and Notes (Orthoptera; Acrididae; Cyrtacanthacridinae; Group Cyrtacanthacres), Notulae Naturae, Number 137, Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, page 3, The Lydenburg male and the other two females have the infuscate pattern definitely more recessive and less evident, although traceable.
How do you pronounce "recessive"?
Pronounced /ɹɪˈsɛsɪv/.
Etymology
From Latin recēdō + -ive, or directly from New Latin recessīvus.