Offspring

Definition

Offspring primarily refers to the descendants or young of a person, animal, or plant.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɔfˌsprɪŋ/
• Respelling: OFF-spring (with "OFF" as in "off" and "spring" as in "spring")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɒfˌsprɪŋ/
• Respelling: OFF-spring (similar to American English, with "OFF" as in "off" and "spring" as in "spring")

In both dialects, "offspring" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "OFF." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "OFF-spring."

Etymology

The term "offspring" originates from Old English "ofspring", derived from "off/on" (meaning "away from") and "springan" (meaning "to leap or spring"), essentially translating to "those who spring from (one's lineage)".

Derivatives

• Offsprung (archaic)
• Offspring's (possessive form)
• None
• None
• None

Synonyms

• Descendant
• Progeny
• Child

Antonyms

• Ancestor
• Forebear
• Predecessor

Usage

"Offspring" is predominantly used to describe the young or descendants of living organisms, ranging from humans to animals and plants.

• The kangaroo cares for its offspring in a pouch.
• This plant reproduces rapidly, producing numerous offspring.
• All of her offspring inherited her musical talents.

Related Terms

• Lineage
• Generation
• Posterity

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Descendants: The immediate descendants or lineage of an individual or couple, including children or the young of animals.‍
• Example: Lions are protective of their offspring.

• Product or Result: Something that is the result of a particular process or activity.‍
• Example: The novel was the offspring of many years of research.

• Plant Propagation: New plants produced by a parent plant, either through seeds or vegetative reproduction.‍
• Example: The apple tree's offspring bore even sweeter fruit.