Kin Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
kin
[kษชn ]
Definitions
family
A person's relatives collectively; kinfolk.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| kin |
This term is more formal and often used in legal or historical contexts. It refers to blood relatives and can imply a broader family network.
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| family |
Use this word to refer to the people you are closely related to, including parents, siblings, spouse, and children. It conveys a sense of emotional closeness and immediate relationship.
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| relatives |
A general term for people you are related to, not necessarily implying emotional closeness. It is neutral and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
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| kinfolk |
This word is informal and often used in rural or Southern American contexts. It refers to relatives in general, usually in a nostalgic or warm tone.
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Examples of usage
- He has a large kin.
- She is visiting her kin this weekend.
anthropology
A group of people related by blood or marriage.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| kin |
A more formal term for relatives or family members. It can refer to immediate family or extended family, and sometimes even people with a shared connection or belief.
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| clan |
Refers to a large group of people who are related by blood, typically within a traditional society or context. Often used in relation to Scottish and Irish culture.
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| tribe |
Refers to a social group existing before the development ofโor outside ofโstates, generally associated with indigenous or ethnic communities. It can also be used more informally to describe groups with common interests.
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| lineage |
Pertains to ancestry or the line of descendants from a common ancestor. Often used in discussions about heritage, family history, or genealogy.
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Examples of usage
- The tribe members consider themselves kin.
- Kinship ties are important in their culture.
informal
A person's family and relations.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| kin |
Typically used in legal or formal contexts to refer to family members, usually those related by blood. It often implies a close blood relationship.
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| relatives |
Appropriate in both formal and informal settings. Refers to people who are related by blood or marriage, usually extending beyond the immediate family.
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| family |
Used in both formal and informal settings to refer to people related by blood, marriage, or close emotional ties. It can encompass immediate family members, as well as extended relatives.
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| folks |
A casual and informal term, often used to refer to oneโs parents or family members in a warm, affectionate way.
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Examples of usage
- He's got a lot of kin in this town.
- She's my kin, we stick together.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'kin'
The word 'kin' originated from the Old English word 'cynn', meaning 'family, race, kind'. It has been used in English since the 12th century to refer to one's family or relatives. The concept of kinship has been significant throughout human history, shaping social structures and relationships.