PoliticsAugust 22, 2026

hereditarian

huh-RED-ih-tair-ee-uhn

Definition

Relating to or believing in the theory that genetics are the primary determinant of complex human traits, such as intelligence or social status.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'hereditarius,' meaning 'inheritance,' it entered English in the late 19th century to describe those who emphasize hereditary factors over environmental influences in human development.

In the news

The article describes Nathan Cofnas as a 'hereditarian supremacist' to highlight his controversial belief that group differences are largely fixed by biology, which he uses to justify his social and political agendas.

EXCLUSIVE: "shoddy" Cofnas was unfit for his Uni job say colleagues - months before Arday attack

Read the full article ↗

The Canary

Related words

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.