family tree
/'fæmili'tri:/
Definition
Noun: 1. A diagram showing the relationships between members of a family over several generations, typically structured like a tree with branches. 2. The lineage or ancestry of a person or family, traced through successive generations.
Usage
The term "family tree" is used to refer to both the visual chart and the concept of ancestry itself. It is a compound noun. * You have a family tree. * You research, trace, or build your family tree. * You look at or study a family tree.
Examples
- Noun:
- She spent years researching her family tree and discovered ancestors from five different countries.
- The family tree on the wall showed all the descendants of my great-grandparents.
- His family tree includes several notable historical figures.
Advanced Usage
- "to trace one's family tree": To research and document one's ancestry.
- With online records, it has become easier for people to trace their family tree.
- Conceptual use: Can be used metaphorically to describe the origin and development of something.
- The linguist studied the family tree of Indo-European languages.
Variants and Related Words
- Genealogy (n): The study and tracing of lines of descent or development; a person's line of descent. This is a more formal or academic term for a family tree or the study of one.
- He is an expert in Scottish genealogy.
- Lineage (n): Lineal descent from an ancestor; ancestry or pedigree.
- She can trace her lineage back to the 12th century.
- Ancestry (n): One's family or ethnic descent.
- The DNA test revealed her surprising ancestry.
Synonyms
- Pedigree
- Bloodline
- Descent
- Family line
Related Phrases
- Roots: (Often used in the plural) One's family, ethnic, or cultural origins.
- He traveled to Ireland to explore his roots.
- Branch of the family: A specific line of descent within a larger family.
- The Canadian branch of the family will be visiting this summer.
Noun
-
successive generations of kin
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