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regenerative

re-JEN-er-uh-tiv /rɪˈdʒenərətɪv/

adjectiveC1TOEFLGRE

scientificenvironmental

Relating to or characterized by the restoration or renewal of something, especially an ecosystem or agricultural land.

It goes beyond 'sustainable' (keeping things as they are) to actually 'improving' or 'healing' the land.

The story behind the word. From the Latin 're-' (again) and 'generare' (to bring forth/produce). It shares a root with 'generate' and 'generation'. It literally means to 'give birth again' to the soil's health.

Word relationships

restorative: Restorative means bringing back to a former state; regenerative implies a living process of growth and renewal.

degenerative: Degenerative means characterized by progressive deterioration.

Commonly confused with

sustainable: Sustainable means 'doing no harm'; regenerative means 'making it better'.

Word family

regenerate (verb): To regrow or be renewed.
regeneration (noun): The process of regenerating.

Collocations

regenerative agriculture
regenerative farming
regenerative powers

Example sentences

"Regenerative agriculture is a system of farming principles and practices that increases biodiversity, enriches soils, improves watersheds, and enhances ecosystem services." The goal of regenerative farming. (Terra Genesis International.)

Memory hook

Think of 're-generating' a health bar in a video game; you are bringing the soil back to full strength. Regenerative = Renewing life.

When not to use

Don't use it for simple repairs; it implies a biological or systemic renewal.

Fun facts

Regenerative grazing, where cattle are moved frequently, mimics the behavior of wild herds and can actually help sequester carbon in the soil.