conditioned
kuhn-DISH-uhnd
/kənˈdɪʃ.ənd/
Acquired through habituation, training, or exposure to repeated environmental stimuli.
Refers to a response that is not automatic by nature, but learned through systematic associations.
The story behind the word. Condition comes from Latin 'condicio', an agreement made by speaking together. In 1927, Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov used the phrase 'conditioned reflex' (uslovnyi refleks), describing a reaction contingent upon external training conditions.
Word relationships
- trained: Trained implies conscious instruction, whereas conditioned often happens via implicit association.
- habituated: Habituated means becoming used to something through repeated exposure; conditioned involves associated stimuli.
- unconditioned: Unconditioned means natural, innate, and unlearned.
- instinctive: Instinctive refers to biologically hardwired behaviors present from birth.
Commonly confused with
- conditional: Conditional means dependent on circumstances ('if-then'), while conditioned means learned through training.
Word family
- conditioning (noun): The process of training or accustoming a person or animal.
- conditioner (noun): A agent or substance that improves or modifies a condition.
Collocations
- conditioned response
- conditioned stimulus
- conditioned behavior
- socially conditioned
Idioms & expressions
- conditioned to react
Example sentences
- "Pavlov observed that dogs showed a conditioned reflex to salivate at the sound of a bell." Behavioral Science
- "We have become conditioned to check our smartphones the instant we hear a chime." Modern Culture
Memory hook
Conditioned responses happen under specific CON-ditions taught over time. Conditioned = learned under matching conditions.
When not to use
Do not use for innate biological instincts like flinching from fire.
Fun facts
- Pavlov's original Russian term was mistranslated; he called it a 'conditional' response, but 'conditioned' stuck in English!
Explore more words
habituation, innate, habitual, Training, transition, predisposition
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