Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Of unmixed ancestry or pure breed: Used to describe a person, animal, or plant that is descended from ancestors of a single, distinct ethnicity or breed without mixture.
   • Vigorous, hearty, or passionate: Characterized by great energy, strength, robustness, or wholehearted commitment.

Usage and Examples

• Describing pure ancestry or breed: The ranch specializes in breeding full-blooded Arabian horses. He is a full-blooded member of the Cherokee Nation.

• Describing vigor or wholeheartedness: She gave a full-blooded performance that captivated the entire audience. The company launched a full-blooded attack on its competitor's market share.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• The term can be used figuratively to describe actions, efforts, or artistic performances that are executed with complete vigor, enthusiasm, and lack of restraint.
• In historical or anthropological contexts, the term related to ancestry is now often considered outdated or offensive due to its implications about racial purity. Terms like "of pure descent" or specific tribal/national affiliations are often preferred.

Variants and Related Words

• Full-blood (noun, less common): A person of unmixed ancestry.
• Blooded (adjective): Having a specified type of blood or ancestry (often used in combination).

Synonyms

• Purebred (for animals, regarding breed).
• Unmixed (regarding ancestry).
• Hearty, robust, vigorous, wholehearted, forceful (regarding energy or commitment).

Antonyms

• Mixed-blood, hybrid, crossbred (regarding ancestry or breed).
• Half-hearted, feeble, lukewarm, weak (regarding energy or commitment).

Notes on Usage

• When referring to people, especially in modern contexts, the term's use to describe ancestry is sensitive. It is crucial to consider context and preference, as many find it reductionist or offensive. The figurative use to describe enthusiasm or vigor is generally acceptable.
• The term is typically used attributively (before a noun) as in "a full-blooded effort," but can also be used predicatively, as in "His commitment was full-blooded."

Adjective

1. endowed with or exhibiting great bodily or mental health
   • a hearty glow of health
2. of unmixed ancestry
   • full-blooded Native American
   • blooded Jersies