Definition
This is a biological term meaning 'atavism' — the reappearance of a distant ancestral trait that has been absent for generations. It can also be used figuratively to describe a regression to earlier, less advanced ways of thinking or behaving. The characters literally mean 'return to ancestor phenomenon', so the image is clear once you know the components.
n.
(biology) atavism(figurative) throwbackregression
Examples
- ，返祖现象。Zhè zhī xiǎo māo zhǎng chū le tiáowén, shì yì zhǒng fǎn zǔ xiàn xiàng.This kitten has developed stripes — it's a kind of atavism.
- 返祖现象。Zhè zhǒng fǎn zǔ xiàn xiàng zài rénlèi shēnshang hěn shǎojiàn.This kind of atavism is rarely seen in humans.
- 返祖现象。Tā de jíduān guāndiǎn bèi rènwéi shì yì zhǒng sīxiǎng shàng de fǎn zǔ xiàn xiàng.His extreme views are seen as a kind of ideological throwback.
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