seminal
Meaning: Strongly influencing later developments; creative and original, serving as the basis for future work.
Seminal is used almost exclusively in academic and critical contexts to describe works, ideas, or events that proved foundational for what followed. A 'seminal paper' is one that shaped an entire field; a 'seminal album' defined a genre. The word implies both originality and lasting influence. Common collocations include 'seminal work,' 'seminal text,' 'seminal moment,' and 'seminal contribution.'
Examples
- Darwin's seminal work On the Origin of Species revolutionised the biological sciences. 达尔文的开创性著作《物种起源》彻底改变了生物科学。La obra seminal de Darwin, El origen de las especies, revolucionó las ciencias biológicas.ダーウィンの画期的著作『種の起源』は生物科学に革命をもたらした。다윈의 기념비적 저작 『종의 기원』은 생물 과학에 혁명을 가져왔다.
- The Beveridge Report was a seminal document that laid the foundations for the British welfare state. 《贝弗里奇报告》是一份具有开创意义的文件,为英国福利国家奠定了基础。El Informe Beveridge fue un documento seminal que sentó las bases del Estado del bienestar británico.ベヴァリッジ報告はイギリスの福祉国家の基礎を築いた画期的な文書であった。베버리지 보고서는 영국 복지 국가의 기초를 놓은 기념비적 문서였다.
- Her seminal essay on postcolonial theory remains required reading in university literature courses. 她关于后殖民理论的开创性论文至今仍是大学文学课程的必读材料。Su ensayo seminal sobre teoría poscolonial sigue siendo lectura obligatoria en los cursos universitarios de literatura.ポストコロニアル理論に関する彼女の画期的な論文は、今なお大学の文学課程の必読書である。탈식민주의 이론에 관한 그녀의 기념비적 논문은 오늘날에도 대학 문학 과정의 필독서로 남아 있다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, media, literary
Tone: positive
Origin & History
From Latin seminalis (of or relating to seed), from semen (seed). The figurative sense of something that plants the seeds for future development emerged in the 17th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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