What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rearing
Example
The farmer is responsible for the rearing of his cattle. [rearing: noun]
Example
She is rearing her children to be independent and responsible adults. [rearing: verb]
upbringing
Example
Her strict upbringing made her disciplined and hardworking. [upbringing: noun]
Example
He had a privileged upbringing that gave him access to the best education. [upbringing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Upbringing is more commonly used than rearing in everyday language, especially in American English. Upbringing is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts related to childhood and development, while rearing is less common and more specialized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rearing and upbringing?
Upbringing is a more formal term than rearing, which is often used in informal or technical contexts. Upbringing is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, while rearing is typically used in more technical or specialized contexts.
