lineal

/'liniəl/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
lineal

The family tree shows the lineal descent from the great-grandfather to the great-grandson.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Relating to or being in the direct line of descent from an ancestor: Describes a family relationship where descent is traced directly from parent to child through successive generations without any branching or collateral relatives.
    • Arranged in or forming a line: Pertaining to something that is organized or positioned in a straight, sequential order.
Examples of Usage
  • Adjective:
    • She is a lineal descendant of the original settlers. (She is a direct descendant in an unbroken line from the original settlers.)
    • The lineal succession to the throne was clearly defined. (The direct inheritance of the throne from parent to child was clearly defined.)
    • The artifacts were placed in lineal order according to their age. (The artifacts were arranged in a straight, sequential line based on their age.)
Advanced Usage
  • "lineal heir": A person who inherits as a direct descendant, such as a child or grandchild, in contrast to a collateral heir (like a sibling or cousin).
    • The estate passed to his lineal heir, his only son.
  • "lineal consanguinity": A legal term describing the direct blood relationship between ancestors and descendants (e.g., parent-child, grandparent-grandchild).
    • The law prioritizes lineal consanguinity in matters of inheritance.
Variants and Related Words
  • Lineally (adverb): In a lineal manner; by direct descent.
    • The title is inherited lineally, from father to eldest son.
  • Lineality (noun): The quality or state of being lineal.
    • The principle of lineality is central to their kinship system.
  • Collateral (adjective, antonym in kinship context): Descended from a common ancestor but not in a direct line (e.g., siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles).
    • He has no lineal descendants, so the estate went to a collateral relative.
Synonyms
  • Direct (in descent): Uninterrupted in line from an ancestor.
  • Unbroken (in descent): Continuous, without interruption in the line of succession.
  • Linear (in arrangement): Arranged in or extending along a straight or nearly straight line. (Note: "linear" is often used for physical or conceptual lines, while "lineal" is specifically for descent.)
Antonyms
  • Collateral: (In kinship) Related but not in a direct line of descent.
  • Nonlinear: Not arranged in a straight line or sequence.
lineal

The family tree shows the lineal descent from the great-grandfather to the great-grandson.

Adjective
  1. arranged in a line
  2. in a straight unbroken line of descent from parent to child
    • lineal ancestors
    • lineal heirs
    • a direct descendant of the king
    • direct heredity