Lineage: meaning, definitions and examples

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lineage

[ˈlɪniɪdʒ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

family history

Lineage refers to the direct descent from an ancestor, especially in a distinguished family or social class. It is the series of ancestors from whom a person is descended. Lineage can also refer to the lineal descent of a person or family from an ancestor.

Synonyms

ancestry, descent, heritage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lineage	Used when referring to the line of descent from an ancestor, usually implying a detailed or significant family history. The royal lineage of the family can be traced back to the 12th century. He was proud of his noble lineage and the history attached to it.
ancestry	Utilized when talking about one's ancestors in general or a study of one's family over time. She researched her ancestry and found out she had Greek roots. His ancestry can be traced back to the Vikings.
descent	Typically used to denote the origin or background of a person or group, often in terms of nationality or ethnicity. She is of Italian descent. They analyzed his descent to understand his genetic makeup.
heritage	Often used to describe cultural, historical, or property inheritance passed down from previous generations, with a focus on preservation and identity. He takes pride in his cultural heritage. The family estate is part of their heritage.

Examples of usage

She comes from a long line of artists, so creativity runs in her lineage.
The royal lineage can be traced back for centuries.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

genealogy

In genealogy, lineage is the line of descendants from a common ancestor. It is the direct line of descent from an ancestor. Genealogists often research and trace their lineage to learn more about their family history.

Synonyms

ancestry, family tree, pedigree.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lineage	Use when referring to the direct descent from an ancestor, often used in historical and genealogical contexts. His lineage can be traced back to medieval kings The lineage of the royal family is well documented
ancestry	Refers to one's ancestors or family background, suitable for discussions about family history or heritage. She is proud of her Native American ancestry They studied their ancestry through DNA tests
pedigree	Usually used in the context of animals to show their purebred lineage, but can also refer to human family background, especially when indicating a distinguished heritage. Often carries a tone of elitism. The horse has an impressive pedigree with many champions in its bloodline Her pedigree includes judges and doctors from prestigious backgrounds
family tree	The diagram or chart representing family relationships in a structured form, often used in genealogical studies. He created a detailed family tree to trace his grandparents' origins Our family tree shows relatives going back five generations

Examples of usage

He spent years researching his lineage and discovered he was related to a famous historical figure.
Documenting your lineage can help future generations understand their roots.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French word 'lignée', which means a line or lineage, and it is rooted in the Latin word 'linea', meaning 'line'.
It has been used in English since the late 14th century, primarily to denote descent or family lines.

Cultural Significance

Many cultures emphasize lineage to determine social status, inheritance, and familial responsibilities.
In royal families, lineage is crucial for determining rightful heirs and maintaining power through generations.

Science and Genetics

Lineage is important in genetics as it helps track genetic traits and predispositions through generations.
Modern DNA testing allows people to explore their lineage more accurately, revealing ancestral connections previously unknown.

Religion and Mythology

In many religious texts, lineage is used to establish legitimacy, such as in the genealogy of Jesus in the Bible.
Mythological stories often explore the lineage of gods and heroes, highlighting the importance of ancestry in cultural folklore.

Literature

Family trees and lineage charts often appear in literature, especially in epic tales, providing depth to characters’ histories.
Authors like J.R.R. Tolkien meticulously created lineages for their characters to add richness to the world-building in their stories.

Translations

Translations of the word "lineage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 linhagem

🇮🇳 वंशावली

🇩🇪 Stammbaum

🇮🇩 garis keturunan

🇺🇦 родовід

🇵🇱 rodowód

🇯🇵 血統 (けっとう)

🇫🇷 lignée

🇪🇸 linaje

🇹🇷 soy

🇰🇷 혈통 (hyeoltong)

🇸🇦 نسب (nasab)

🇨🇿 rodokmen

🇸🇰 rodokmeň

🇨🇳 血统 (xuètǒng)

🇸🇮 rodovnik

🇮🇸 ætt

🇰🇿 шежіре

🇬🇪 შთამომავლობა (shtamomavloba)

🇦🇿 nəsil

🇲🇽 linaje

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,436, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10433 severally
10434 dictatorship
10435 ovarian
10436 lineage
10437 wolves
10438 unavailable
10439 turf
...