Translation guide
The reappearance of an ancestral trait after several generations of absence, or a reversion to an earlier type.
The reappearance of a genetic trait from a distant ancestor, such as a tail in a human.
The standard biological term for atavism, literally 'skip-generation heredity'. Used in scientific contexts.
彼の多毛症は隔世遺伝の例だ。
His hypertrichosis is an example of atavism.
Means 'regression' or 'reversion'. Can be used for atavism in a broader biological sense, but less specific.
A reversion to an earlier, often more primitive, cultural or social state.
隔世遺伝 is the precise scientific term for biological atavism, while 先祖返り is more versatile and can be used in everyday language for both biological and metaphorical atavism.
生物学では隔世遺伝という用語を使う。
In biology, we use the term 隔世遺伝.
彼の頑固さは先祖返りみたいなものだ。
His stubbornness is like an atavism.
Do not translate 'atavism' directly as アタビズム; this is not a recognized Japanese word. Use the terms provided based on context.
Literally 'return to ancestor'. A more colloquial term for atavism, used in both biological and figurative senses.
その犬の狼のような特徴は先祖返りだ。
The dog's wolf-like features are an atavism.
この突然変異は退行の一種と考えられる。
This mutation is considered a type of atavism.
Used figuratively to describe a return to old customs or primitive behaviors.
その祭りの復活は文化的な先祖返りと言える。
The revival of that festival can be called a cultural atavism.
Means 'restoration' or 'return to the old ways'. Often used in political or cultural contexts, but lacks the biological connotation.
彼の政策は復古主義の表れだ。
His policies are an expression of atavism.
Means 'reversal' or 'going back'. Can imply a negative regression to a previous state.
その習慣は時代遅れの逆戻りだ。
That custom is an atavism to a bygone era.