Domestic

Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun

Pronunciation

/dəˈmɛstɪk/

Definitions

• Relating to the home, household, or family affairs. (Adjective)
• Existing or occurring inside a particular country; not foreign or international. (Adjective)
• A person employed to do household tasks. (Noun)

Usage Examples

• She enjoys domestic life and taking care of her family.
• The government announced new policies for domestic trade.
• The wealthy family hired a domestic to maintain their house.

Etymology

From Latin "domesticus" (belonging to the house), derived from "domus" (house).

Synonyms

• Household
• Native
• Internal
• Servant

Antonyms

• Foreign
• International
• Wild

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, the emphasis is on the second syllable: "də-MES-tik." In British English, it is often softer and evenly stressed.

Historical Usage

The word "domestic" has been used in English since the 15th century, originally referring to anything related to home life.

Cultural Nuances

"Domestic" can have both positive and negative connotations, depending on context. It can refer to the comfort of home life but is also used in legal contexts, such as "domestic violence."

More Information

Domestication of animals and plants played a crucial role in human civilization. The word "domestic" is commonly used in politics, economics, and social sciences.