pedigree

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pedigree" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "pedigree" to refer to a line of ancestry or a genealogical record which indicates the origin of an individual or family. Example sentence: His family tree was easily traced back to their original Irish pedigree.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was at Thirsk and there is no denying that others in this field have stronger form claims but few have her potential for improvement on just her second start and her pedigree is a pleasing blend of speed and more speed.

The Guardian - Sport

He has been a persistent hit-maker, with a pedigree that includes opera and Shakespeare as well as commercial successes such as Boeing-Boeing and Matilda.

The Guardian

The film is relatively conventional given the pedigree of the Oscar-nominated director, the man behind Hollywood blockbusters The Bourne Ultimatum, Captain Phillips and United 93.

The Guardian

Let's be clear, this has nothing to do with Walsh's pedigree in the music industry.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Octagon Theatre, Thu to 23 May LG There's something for everyone at the Brighton fringe, from the Spiegeltent on Old Steine hosting 31 days of cabaret and circus – with talent including Camille O'Sullivan (2-13 Mand anDavid Hoylele (13 May) – to shows with pedigree such as Bucket Club's Lorraine & Alan (21 & 22 May) and Show And Tell's examination of grief, So It Goes (8-10 May).

The Guardian

"Wayne's creative leadership across international businesses and his pedigree in entertainment production need little introduction," said Andrea Wong, president of international production at SPT. Garvie, who will take up his new role in June, first met Wong when he worked at BBC Worldwide and was pitching Strictly Come Dancing in the US.

The Guardian

Despite her tiny Spanish opponent's clay-court pedigree, this is a pretty good first-round draw.

The Guardian - Sport

That those three were, like The Imitation Game, of British pedigree, further cements the festival's reputation as an especially friendly launchpad for UK film.

The Guardian - Film

Located in the southern French Alps, it is one of Europe's highest towns, and has an excellent skiing pedigree, having opened France's first ski school in 1902.

The Guardian - Travel

If Germany is the key player, it has a long postwar pedigree of Ostpolitik, preferring engagement and dialogue to confrontation, especially with Russia – a position that has angered the east Europeans who complain European foreign policy is being driven by German economic interests.

The Guardian

Tillis, a former partner at the consulting firm PWC turned North Carolina House speaker, made little attempt to hide his establishment pedigree during the primary campaign.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "pedigree" of an idea or concept, consider emphasizing specific influences or key figures in its development to add depth and credibility.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a strong "pedigree" automatically guarantees success or superiority. While ancestry can be important, it shouldn't overshadow present qualities or achievements.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "pedigree" is to act as a noun, referring to the recorded ancestry of a person, animal, or the historical background of an idea. As Ludwig indicates, it can be used to describe both literal and figurative lines of descent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "pedigree" is a versatile noun used to denote ancestry, lineage, or the historical background of a person, animal, or idea. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it's commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI also confirms its grammatical correctness. When writing, it's important to avoid overstating the significance of "pedigree" and ensure it aligns with present qualities and achievements. Remember that strong ancestry does not guarantee success. Alternatives such as "lineage", "ancestry", and "origin" can be used to provide variety, but always consider the specific context to ensure the best fit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

line of ancestry

Focuses specifically on the direct ancestral line.

family lineage

Highlights the family aspect of the ancestry.

genealogical history

Emphasizes the historical record and study of ancestry.

ancestral roots

Metaphorically refers to the origin or foundation of something.

breeding stock

Specifically refers to the ancestry of animals bred for particular traits.

historical background

Focuses on the historical context and development.

provenance

Highlights the origin and history of ownership or creation.

cultural heritage

Refers to the inherited traditions, monuments, objects, and culture.

intellectual origins

Emphasizes the source of ideas or concepts.

parentage

Highlights the identity of the parents or ancestors.

FAQs

How can I use the word "pedigree" in a sentence?

You can use "pedigree" to describe the ancestry of a person or animal, such as, "The dog's "pedigree" was well-documented, showing a long line of champions." It can also refer to the history of an idea or project: "The project has a strong "pedigree", originating from years of research."

What are some synonyms for "pedigree"?

Alternatives include "lineage", "ancestry", "descent", "origin", and "provenance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "pedigree" to describe the history of an idea?

Yes, "pedigree" can be used to describe the history or background of an idea, project, or custom. For example, "This policy has a long "pedigree" in European social welfare systems."

What's the difference between "pedigree" and "ancestry"?

"Pedigree" often implies a documented or distinguished lineage, especially in the context of animals or formal genealogies. While "ancestry" is a broader term referring to one's origins or descent.