Translation guide
The reappearance of an ancestral trait after several generations of absence, or a reversion to an earlier type.
The reappearance of a genetic trait from a distant ancestor, such as a tail in a human.
A reversion to an earlier, often more primitive, cultural or social state.
隔世遺伝 is the precise scientific term for biological atavism, while 先祖返り is more versatile and can be used in everyday language for both biological and metaphorical atavism.
The standard biological term for atavism, literally 'skip-generation heredity'. Used in scientific contexts.
His hypertrichosis is an example of atavism.
Literally 'return to ancestor'. A more colloquial term for atavism, used in both biological and figurative senses.
The dog's wolf-like features are an atavism.
Means 'regression' or 'reversion'. Can be used for atavism in a broader biological sense, but less specific.
This mutation is considered a type of atavism.
Used figuratively to describe a return to old customs or primitive behaviors.
The revival of that festival can be called a cultural atavism.
Means 'restoration' or 'return to the old ways'. Often used in political or cultural contexts, but lacks the biological connotation.
His policies are an expression of atavism.
Means 'reversal' or 'going back'. Can imply a negative regression to a previous state.
That custom is an atavism to a bygone era.
In biology, we use the term 隔世遺伝.
His stubbornness is like an atavism.
Do not translate 'atavism' directly as アタビズム; this is not a recognized Japanese word. Use the terms provided based on context.