Descendants Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ
descendants
[dษชหsษndษnts ]
Definitions
family tree
A person, plant, or animal that is descended from a particular ancestor.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| descendants |
This term is often used in a formal context to refer to future generations that come from a common ancestor. It can be used in both historical and legal settings.
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| offspring |
A more general term often used in a biological or casual context to refer to children or young of animals. Unlike 'heirs,' it doesn't have legal connotations.
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| heirs |
This word is primarily used in legal contexts to describe individuals who are entitled to inherit property, titles, or offices upon the death of an ancestor.
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| progeny |
A formal and somewhat old-fashioned term that refers to descendants or offspring, often used in literary or historical texts.
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Examples of usage
- The descendants of the ancient royal family still live in the castle.
- She is a descendant of a famous explorer.
- The descendants of the dinosaurs include modern birds.
- The company was founded by the descendants of the original owners.
- The descendants of the Mayans continue to preserve their culture.
history
A person, group, or thing that is influenced by or comes from a particular predecessor.
Synonyms
derivative, offshoot, successor.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| offshoot |
Describes something that has developed from a larger or original entity, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Frequently used in business, technology, or plant biology.
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| derivative |
Commonly used in finance to refer to a contract whose value is based on an underlying asset or in linguistics and mathematics. Can have a negative connotation when referring to unoriginal work.
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| successor |
Refers to a person or thing that follows and takes over a position, property, or function from another. Often used in leadership, business, and legal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The film is considered a descendant of the classic Western genre.
- These new smartphones are descendants of the original model released years ago.
- Our modern legal system has many descendants from ancient Roman law.
- The book is a descendant of the author's earlier work.
- The artist's style has many descendants in contemporary art.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Genetics
- Descendants inherit genes from their parents, which influences traits like height, eye color, and even certain health conditions.
- In biology, studying descendants helps scientists understand evolution and how traits are passed on through generations.
Culture
- Many cultures place a strong emphasis on the idea of descendants, often highlighting the importance of family legacy and heritage.
- Stories and traditions are often passed down through descendants, keeping history alive in families.
History
- Throughout history, noble families would trace their descendants to validate their power and influence.
- Genealogy, the study of family ancestry, helps people discover their descendants and how they fit into the larger family tree.
Literature
- Descendants often play crucial roles in storytelling, as they carry on stories from previous generations.
- In many novels, family legacies create conflicts or plots, showcasing the relationship between ancestors and their descendants.
Origin of 'descendants'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'descendere', meaning 'to climb down' or 'to come down'.
- It entered the English language in the 14th century, emphasizing the lineage and relationships among generations.
The word 'descendants' originated from the Latin word 'descendere', which means 'to go down'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to refer to those who come from a particular ancestor or lineage. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass not only biological descendants but also cultural, artistic, and historical influences that can be traced back to a predecessor.
See also: condescending, descend, descendant, descending.