domestic

Pronunciation: duh-MES-tik

adjective

Difficulty: common

Definition of domestic

Relating to or pertaining to the home, family, or household affairs, as well as to one's own country or internal affairs, as opposed to foreign or international matters.

Origin of domestic

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: domesticus

Original meaning: belonging to the house

How it evolved: From 'domus' (house) in Latin, the word shifted through Old French 'domestique' to Middle English, broadening to include national and internal contexts.

The word 'domestic' originates from Latin roots and has been used since the Middle Ages to describe matters pertaining to the home or internal affairs.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember domestic

Think of 'domestic' as related to 'dome,' which represents a home or a country's internal structure—both under one roof.

Synonyms for domestic

Antonyms of domestic

domestic in a Sentence

  1. The government prioritized domestic policies to strengthen the economy before engaging in international trade agreements.
  2. Her domestic responsibilities included managing the household finances and overseeing her children's education.
  3. The company decided to focus on domestic markets before expanding its operations overseas.

domestic in Literature & Culture

The term 'domestic' is frequently used in legal and political contexts, such as 'domestic violence' or 'domestic policy,' and appears in classical literature to contrast the private sphere with the public sphere.

Usage Notes

While 'domestic' often refers to the home, it can also apply to internal matters of a country. Be careful not to confuse it with 'domesticated,' which is specific to taming animals or plants.

Why domestic Matters for GRE & SAT

Frequently appearing in reading comprehension or sentence equivalence questions, 'domestic' tests a student's ability to distinguish between internal and external or foreign contexts.

Word Family

domesticate (verb)
To tame an animal or plant for use in a home or farm.
domesticity (noun)
Life in or fondness for the home and family life.
domicile (noun)
A person's legal residence or home.
dominion (noun)
Control or sovereignty over a territory or domain.

Did You Know?

  • The phrase 'domestic bliss' is often used to humorously describe the idealized harmony of home life.
  • In the 18th century, 'domestic' servants were a common profession, and the term was widely used to describe household staff.
  • The term 'domestic animal' refers to species that humans have tamed for companionship or utility, such as dogs, cats, and livestock.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with D

  • daunting — scary or frightening; (of a task) seeming impossible
  • daunting — scary or frightening; (of a task) seeming impossible
  • dawdle — move slowly and without purpose
  • dawdle — move slowly and without purpose
  • dearth — lack of something in a particular area
  • dearth — A scarcity or lack of something
  • dearth — lack of something in a particular area
  • debate — A formal discussion on a particular topic
  • debate — A formal discussion on a particular topic
  • debilitate — To make someone weak and infirm