Hybrid

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Hybrid

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective and noun

Pronunciation

HY-brid  /ˈhaɪbrɪd/

Definition

As a noun: a thing made by combining two different elements; an animal or plant produced from parents of two different species or varieties; a vehicle using two different power sources (especially petrol and electric). As an adjective: combining two different elements or characteristics.

Plain meaning

Hybrid means a mixture or combination of two different things. A hybrid car uses both a petrol engine and an electric motor. Hybrid working combines office and home working. A hybrid animal (like a mule) has parents of two different species. Hybrid can describe anything that combines different origins, methods, or qualities.

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Neutral and technical in biological contexts; neutral in everyday contexts. Hybrid is used in biology, automotive engineering, urban planning, workplace management, and countless other fields to describe productive combinations of two different approaches or origins.