Nature versus nurture

/ˈneɪ.tʃɚ ˈvɜːɹ.səs ˈnɜːɹ.tʃɚ/ noun

Definition

The long-standing debate about whether genetics (nature) or environmental factors (nurture) play a more important role in human development.

Etymology

'Nature' from Latin 'natura' (birth, character) and 'nurture' from Latin 'nutritura' (nourishment). Phrase popularized by Francis Galton (1869).

Kelly Says

Nature vs. nurture is psychology's oldest debate — are you shaped by your genes or your environment? The real answer: BOTH, interacting in complex ways!

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