Forebears: meaning, definitions and examples

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forebears

[ˈfɔːbɛːz ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

family history

Forebears refer to ancestors or relatives who came before you in your family tree.

Synonyms

ancestors, forerunners, precursors.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
forebears	Use 'forebears' when talking about people in your family who lived a long time ago. It often suggests a sense of heritage and respect for the family lineage. My forebears settled in this town over two centuries ago. He takes pride in the achievements of his forebears.
ancestors	'Ancestors' is used when referring to family members from previous generations, especially when discussing genealogy, heritage, or history. She is researching her ancestors to learn more about her family's history. Our ancestors lived very different lives compared to us.
precursors	'Precursors' is used in a similar way to 'forerunners,' but it can also apply to events, technologies, or ideas that come before and pave the way for later developments. The telegraph was a precursor to the modern communication systems. Certain economic policies were precursors to the financial instability we see today.
forerunners	'Forerunners' is used to describe people or things that came before others and set the stage for what follows. It often implies innovation or pioneering in a particular field. The early scientists were the forerunners of modern physics. These ancient writings were the forerunners of contemporary literature.

Examples of usage

I am proud of my forebears who worked hard to build a better future for us.
Exploring the history of my forebears has been a fascinating journey.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Old English 'forberan,' meaning to 'bear or produce beforehand.'
It combines 'for,' meaning 'before,' with 'bear,' which means to carry or produce.
The term has been used in English since the 14th century, originally referring to ancestors.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, honoring forebears is essential in traditions and rituals, emphasizing respect for ancestors.
Family trees tracing forebears can be a popular hobby and are significant for identity and heritage.
Many indigenous cultures have specific ceremonies to celebrate the wisdom and contributions of their forebears.

Psychology

Research suggests that knowledge of one’s forebears can enhance an individual's sense of identity and belonging.
Understanding family history can provide context for personal traits and behaviors, helping in self-discovery.
Psychologists often advocate for family storytelling as a method to strengthen family bonds and understand generational experiences.

Literature

Literary works frequently explore themes of ancestry, revealing how forebears influence characters' lives and decisions.
Prominent novels often incorporate family histories, showcasing how past generations impact present narratives.
In poetry, forebears may symbolize heritage, wisdom, and the passage of time.

Translations

Translations of the word "forebears" in other languages:

🇵🇹 antepassados

🇮🇳 पूर्वज

🇩🇪 Vorfahren

🇮🇩 nenek moyang

🇺🇦 предки

🇵🇱 przodkowie

🇯🇵 先祖 (せんぞ)

🇫🇷 ancêtres

🇪🇸 antepasados

🇹🇷 atalar

🇰🇷 조상 (josang)

🇸🇦 أسلاف

🇨🇿 předci

🇸🇰 predkovia

🇨🇳 祖先 (zǔxiān)

🇸🇮 predniki

🇮🇸 forfeður

🇰🇿 ата-баба

🇬🇪 წინაპრები (ts'inap'rebi)

🇦🇿 əcdadlar

🇲🇽 antepasados

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,960, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21957 incursion
21958 undying
21959 scheming
21960 forebears
21961 defenseless
21962 enumerating
21963 reappointed
...