clan
/klæn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A group of people united by actual or perceived kinship and descent: A "clan" is a social unit comprising families connected by blood relations, marriage, or a shared ancestor. It often implies a close-knit, extended family group with a common identity.
- A group of people with a strong common interest: Informally, "clan" can describe any tightly united group of people, such as friends or colleagues, who share strong bonds or a common purpose, similar to a family.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The Scottish clan gathered for their annual Highland games. (The extended family group with a shared surname and heritage met for their traditional event.)
- She comes from a powerful clan that has lived in this region for centuries. (Her family lineage is large and influential in this area.)
- Our weekly book club has become a close-knit clan. (Our group of friends with a shared hobby feels like a tight family unit.)
Advanced Usage
- "Clan system": The traditional social structure based on clans.
- The clan system was fundamental to the political organization of many Celtic societies.
- "Clan chief": The recognized leader or head of a clan.
- The clan chief presided over the meeting of elders.
Variants and Related Words
- Clannish (adj): Tending to associate closely with a limited group, often excluding outsiders; characteristic of a clan.
- The community was friendly but somewhat clannish.
- Clanship (n): The state or feeling of belonging to a clan; the system of social organization based on clans. (This is a less common word.)
Synonyms
- Tribe: A social division in a traditional society consisting of families linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties.
- Kin group: A group of people related by blood or marriage.
- Family: A group of one or more parents and their children living together as a unit; can be extended to a wider circle of relatives.
Related Phrases
- "Rally the clan": To gather or unite the members of one's group, especially for support or action.
- When the crisis hit, he knew he could rally the clan for help.
Noun
- group of people related by blood or marriage