Agnate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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agnate
[หรฆษกneษชt ]
Definitions
Context #1 | Noun
family relations
Agnate refers to a relative on the father's side, especially a male relative. It is used to describe a person who is related to another by blood through the father's line.
Examples of usage
- He is considered an agnate because he is related to us through our father.
- The agnate relatives were invited to the family reunion.
Context #2 | Noun
legal term
In legal terms, agnate refers to a relative who is related through male descent and is considered in the line of inheritance.
Examples of usage
- The agnate cousin inherited the property as per the legal guidelines.
- In the absence of any agnate heirs, the property went to the closest female relative.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Anthropology
- In many cultures, agnatic relations have influenced clan structures, often determining roles in ceremonies and societal duties.
- Agnate relationships can define not only family ties but also responsibilities, such as obligations to care for relatives.
- In several indigenous groups, agnacy plays a crucial role in maintaining cultural traditions and social identity among tribes.
Law
- In legal terms, agnates often have clearer inheritance rights than relatives by marriage or other non-blood ties.
- Some legal systems use the concept of agnate to determine next of kin for distributing estates upon death.
- Family law can differ significantly based on whether a society recognizes agnate relationships, affecting divorce and custody decisions.
Sociology
- The concept of agnatic relations is critical in studying social structures and lineage in various societies worldwide.
- Agnatic ties can influence marriage arrangements, where families often prefer unions within the same agnatic groups.
- By examining agnate connections, sociologists gain insights into patriarchal structures that impact gender roles and power dynamics.
Origin of 'agnate'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'agnate' comes from the Latin 'agnatus', meaning 'known' or 'related through male lineage'.
- In Ancient Roman society, agnatic kinship was essential for inheritance and social standing, focusing on the male line.
- Historically, the use of agnate helped to determine bloodlines for citizenship and property rights in patriarchal cultures.
The word agnate has Latin origins, coming from the Latin word 'agnatus' which means 'related on the father's side'. It has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe familial and legal relationships based on paternal descent.