science

science

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "science" is:

/ˈsaɪəns/

Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:

• Sci-: /saɪ/ (as in "sigh")

• -ence: /əns/ (as in "uhns")

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Word Form Variations

• Singular Noun: science

• Plural Noun: sciences

• Adjective: scientific

• Adverb: scientifically

• Noun (person): scientist

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

• Definition 1: A systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the natural and social universe. This often involves observation, experimentation, and the formation of theories based on evidence.

• Synonyms: knowledge, study, discipline, research, inquiry

• Antonyms: ignorance, superstition, unreason, dogma

• Definition 2: A particular branch of study or body of knowledge that deals with a specific subject, especially one that employs systematic methods and rigorous analysis.

• Synonyms: field, area, subject, discipline, branch

• Antonyms: (Context-dependent, often none direct; could be "general knowledge" if referring to a specific branch)

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Examples of Use

• Books: "The science of climate change is complex, involving intricate interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms." (From The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells, 2019)

• Newspapers: "A new study published in Nature highlights the groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence science that could revolutionize medical diagnostics." (As seen in The New York Times)

• Online Publications: "Understanding the social science behind human behavior is crucial for developing effective public health campaigns." (As featured on NPR.org)

• Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Television Series: "In the popular Netflix series Stranger Things, the characters often encounter supernatural phenomena that challenge the boundaries of conventional science." (Seen on Netflix, general discourse around the show)

• Video Games: "The game Mass Effect blends compelling storytelling with elements of speculative science fiction, exploring alien civilizations and advanced technology." (Common description of the Mass Effect series)

• Documentaries: "The BBC documentary Planet Earth showcases the incredible science behind natural phenomena, from volcanic eruptions to intricate ecosystems." (As seen on BBC Earth, general availability)

• General Public Discourse: "Parents often encourage their children to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields to prepare them for future careers." (Heard in everyday conversations and educational discussions)

• General Public Discourse: "The local community meeting discussed how citizen science initiatives could help monitor water quality in the nearby river." (Example of community engagement)

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10 Quotes Using Science

1. "The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it." (Neil deGrasse Tyson)

2. "All of science is nothing more than the refinement of everyday thinking." (Albert Einstein)

3. "The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom." (Isaac Asimov)

4. "There is a fundamental difference between religion, which is based on authority, and science, which is based on observation and reason. Science will win because it works." (Stephen Hawking)

5. "Science is more than a body of knowledge; it is a way of thinking." (Carl Sagan)

6. "Every great advance in science has issued from a new audacity of imagination." (John Dewey)

7. "I am among those who think that science has great beauty." (Marie Curie)

8. "Science is a wonderful thing if one doesn't have to earn one's living at it." (Albert Einstein)

9. "The science of today is the technology of tomorrow." (Edward Teller)

10. "Science is like sex: sometimes something useful comes out, but that is not the reason we are doing it." (Richard Feynman)

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Etymology

The word "science" comes from the Latin word "scientia," which simply means "knowledge," "a knowing," or "expertness."

Its very first known uses in English, dating back to the Middle English period (around the 14th century), reflect this broad meaning. Back then, "science" didn't specifically refer to the natural sciences as we understand them today. Instead, it was used to mean:

• "The state or fact of knowing": Basically, having knowledge about something.

• "What is known, knowledge acquired by study": Any information or learning gained through effort.

• "A particular branch of knowledge or learning": So, it could refer to any structured area of study, not just chemistry or physics. For example, in medieval times, subjects like grammar, rhetoric, logic, music, and astronomy were all considered "sciences."

It wasn't until much later, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries and then more strongly in the mid-19th century, that "science" started to narrow its meaning to specifically refer to the systematic study of the natural world through observation, experimentation, and reasoning, leading to the way we primarily use the word today. Before that, someone doing what we now call scientific research might have been called a "natural philosopher."

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Science

• Science fiction: A genre of fiction dealing with imaginative concepts such as futuristic science and technology, space exploration, time travel, parallel universes, and extraterrestrial life.

• Pure science: Science concerned with understanding how the universe works, without immediate practical applications.

• Applied science: Science that applies scientific knowledge and methods to solve practical problems.

• Political science: The systematic study of government and politics.

• Computer science: The study of computation and information.

• Social science: The scientific study of human society and social relationships.

• Behind the science: Referring to the underlying scientific principles or research that supports something.

• To a fine art/science: To do something with great skill or precision, as if it were a refined discipline. (e.g., "She's got packing a suitcase down to a fine science.")

• Rocket science: Used idiomatically to describe something extremely difficult or complicated (often in the negative, "It's not rocket science!").

• Mad scientist: A stereotypical character in fiction, often a genius but evil or eccentric.

• Trial and error (a method often used in science): Solving problems by trying various possible solutions until one is found that works.

• Hard facts (often associated with scientific findings): Information that is definitely true and cannot be argued with.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of science from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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