Family

Definition

Family refers to a group of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption, often living together and forming a social unit. It can also describe any group bound by shared characteristics, beliefs, or goals, such as a group of related organisms or elements.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfæməli/ or /ˈfæmɪli/
• Respelling: FAM-uh-lee or FAM-ih-lee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfæməli/
• Respelling: FAM-uh-lee

Etymology

The word "family" originates from the Latin term "familia," meaning "household" or "servants of a household," derived from "famulus" (servant). It entered Middle English through Old French, evolving to encompass its broader modern meanings of kinship and social group.

Derivatives

• Familial (adjective)
• Familiarly (adverb)
• Familism (noun)
• Family-friendly (adjective)
• Family-like (adjective)

Synonyms

• Household
• Kin
• Relatives

Antonyms

• Strangers
• Outsiders
• None

Usage

The noun "family" is commonly used to describe kinship groups, as in "She spends the holidays with her family." As an adjective, it is used to denote things suitable for or related to families, such as "a family movie."

Related Terms

• Clan: A larger group of families descended from a common ancestor.
• Lineage: Direct descent from an ancestor.
• Genealogy: The study and tracing of family ancestry.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A group of individuals related by blood, marriage, or adoption: Refers to the primary social unit of parents and their children.
  • Example: "She comes from a large family with five siblings."
• All descendants of a common ancestor: Refers to a larger kinship group or lineage.
  • Example: "The royal family traces its heritage back centuries."
• A group of related things or organisms: Used in taxonomy or grouping to describe related species, elements, or items.
  • Example: "Cats and lions belong to the same biological family, Felidae."

Adjective

• Suitable for or related to families: Describes things intended to be inclusive or appropriate for all members of a family.
  • Example: "The park offers family activities for all ages."