akin
/ə'kin/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Related by blood or family origin; having a similar nature or character: "Akin" describes a connection between people through blood relation or a close similarity in qualities, characteristics, or feelings.
- Similar or analogous in kind: It indicates that one thing is like another in essence, nature, or quality.
Usage
- "Akin" is primarily used as a predicate adjective, meaning it typically follows a linking verb like "be," "seem," or "feel."
- It is often followed by the preposition "to" when drawing a comparison or stating the nature of the similarity.
- It describes a fundamental or inherent resemblance, not just a superficial one.
Examples
- Adjective:
- She felt a sense of loyalty akin to that for her own family. (The feeling of loyalty was similar in nature to family loyalty.)
- The two languages are closely akin. (The two languages share a common origin or are very similar in structure.)
- His reaction was akin to panic. (His reaction was similar to panic in its quality or intensity.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be akin to": This is the most common construction, used to state that something is very similar to something else.
- For him, working is akin to a form of meditation. (Working has a similar effect or nature as meditation for him.)
- Used in formal or literary contexts to express a deep or intrinsic connection.
- They shared a worldview akin in its optimism. (Their worldviews were similar in their optimistic nature.)
Variants and Related Words
- Kindred (adj): Similar in kind; related. Often used for people with similar attitudes, interests, or nature.
- She found a kindred spirit in her new colleague.
- Consanguineous (adj): Related by blood (a more technical, formal term).
- The consanguineous ties within the dynasty were complex.
Synonyms
- Similar: Like something else but not exactly the same.
- Analogous: Comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes clearer the nature of something.
- Related: Connected in some way.
- Alike: Similar to each other.
Antonyms
- Unrelated: Having no connection.
- Dissimilar: Not alike; different.
- Alien: Belonging to a different country, race, or group; fundamentally different.
Idioms and Phrases
- "A feeling akin to...": A common phrase used to describe an emotion that is very similar to another, often a strong one.
- He was filled with a feeling akin to despair.
- "Kindred souls/spirits": People who are very similar in character, outlook, or disposition. While "kindred" is the key adjective here, the phrase is closely related in meaning to "akin."
- They were kindred spirits, both passionate about art.
Adjective
- related by blood
- similar in quality or character
- a feeling akin to terror
- kindred souls
- the amateur is closely related to the collector