Definition

A quick learning process that occurs in young animals, where they recognize and become attached to a parent or similar object.

Example

The ducklings followed their mother closely due to the imprinting they experienced shortly after hatching.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of imprinting in animals?

Yeah, I think it's when young ones recognize their parents or something similar.

Exactly! It's fascinating how quickly they form those bonds through imprinting.

Right? It really shows how important those early experiences are.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Imprinting is formed from "im-" (meaning into) and "print" (from Old French *preinte*, meaning to press or mark). The word describes the act of marking or pressing something into a surface or memory.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pressing' something 'into' a surface — that's what imprinting means.

Visually Confused Words