extinction
extinction
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for the word "extinction" is:
/ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
ik: /ɪk/ - This syllable consists of a short "i" sound followed by a voiceless velar plosive /k/.
STINK: /stɪŋk/ - This syllable starts with a voiceless alveolar fricative /s/, followed by a voiceless alveolar plosive /t/, then a short "i" sound, a velar nasal /ŋ/, and finally another voiceless velar plosive /k/.
shuhn: /ʃən/ - This syllable begins with a voiceless postalveolar fricative /ʃ/, followed by a schwa sound /ə/ and a voiced alveolar fricative /n/.
Word Form Variations
The word "extinction" is a noun and does not have plural or other grammatical variations. It is used to describe the state of a species or group of organisms ceasing to exist.
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Word Class: Noun
Definition: The state of a species or group of organisms ceasing to exist.
Synonyms: annihilation, demise, disappearance, eradication, extermination
Antonyms: birth, creation, emergence, genesis, origin
Word Class: Verb (less common usage)
Definition: To cause something to cease to exist.
Synonyms: abolish, annihilate, destroy, eradicate, extinguish
Antonyms: create, establish, generate, initiate, start
Examples of Use
In Scientific Literature and News Articles
Scientific Journal: "The Sixth Mass Extinction: Human Impact on Biodiversity and Earth's Future" (Science Magazine)
News Article: "Climate Change Could Trigger Mass Extinction, Scientists Warn" (The Guardian)
Environmental Report: "World Wildlife Fund's Living Planet Report" (WWF)
In Popular Culture and Entertainment
Film: "Don't Look Up" (Netflix) - A satirical comedy-drama about a comet threatening Earth's extinction.
Video Game: "Extinction" (Iron Galaxy) - A third-person action game where players fight against a monstrous alien invasion threatening humanity's extinction.
Music: Songs with the word "extinction" in their titles or lyrics, such as "Extinction Level Event" by Muse or "Extinction" by The Smashing Pumpkins.
In General Public Discourse
Social Media: "Climate change is leading to the extinction of countless species. We need to act now!" (Twitter post)
Political Speeches: "We must prevent the extinction of our planet and its precious biodiversity." (Speech by a world leader)
Everyday Conversation: "If we don't protect our oceans, many marine species could face extinction." (Casual conversation between friends)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Extinction
"Extinction is forever." (Unknown)
"We are in the midst of a mass extinction event, the sixth in Earth's history, and the first one caused entirely by humans." (Elizabeth Kolbert, The Sixth Extinction)
"The rapid loss of biodiversity that we are witnessing is about much more than nature. It's about us." (David Attenborough)
"The animals of this world exist for their own reasons. They are not here for us to exploit, to torture, to imprison. They are here for themselves." (Alice Walker)
"We are the first generation to know we are destroying the world, and the last that can do anything about it." (Margaret Mead)
"The earth has cancer, and the cancer is man." (Erich Fromm)
"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." (Teilhard de Chardin)
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." (Franklin D. Roosevelt)
"The future is not some place we're going, but one we're creating." (David Bohm)
"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." (Alan Watts)
Etymology
The word "extinction" comes from the Latin word "extinctio," which means "a putting out" or "a quenching." This Latin word itself comes from the verb "extinguere," which means "to extinguish" or "to put out."
So, the word "extinction" is basically about something coming to an end, like a fire being put out or a life form dying out. The first known use of the word in English was in the early 1500s.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Extinction
Phrases:
Mass extinction: A widespread and rapid decrease in biodiversity on Earth.
Functional extinction: A species' population has declined to the point where it can no longer play its ecological role.
Near extinction: A species is at risk of becoming extinct.
On the brink of extinction: A species is very close to extinction.
Face extinction: To be at risk of extinction.
Original Phrases:
Doomed to extinction: Certain to become extinct.
Teetering on the edge of extinction: Very close to extinction.
A relic of the past, facing extinction: Something old and outdated, at risk of disappearing.
Idioms with Similar Meaning (using synonyms):
Wiped out: Destroyed completely.
Annihilated: Destroyed completely.
Eradicated: Destroyed completely.
The reason for the limited use of "extinction" in idioms is likely due to its serious and often irreversible nature. It's a word that carries a strong emotional weight, making it less suitable for casual or figurative language.
Posts Related to Extinction
Source Information
Definition of extinction from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
