Upbringing

/ˈʌpˌbrɪŋɪŋ/ noun

Definition

The treatment and instruction a child receives while growing up, including education, discipline, and values taught by parents or guardians.

Etymology

From Middle English 'upbringen,' combining 'up' (upward, development) and 'bringen' (bring, carry). The word literally means 'bringing up' a child, describing the continuous lifting and nurturing process.

Kelly Says

Every culture in history has had an 'upbringing,' but this specific word only became really common in English around the 1600s—before that, people just said 'bringing up.'

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