Relatives Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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relatives

[หˆrษ›lษ™tษชvz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

family relationships

Relatives are people who are connected by blood or marriage. They are part of your extended family and can include parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and more.

Synonyms

family members, kin, relations.

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Word Description / Examples
relatives

Used generally to refer to people connected to you by blood or marriage. It is commonly used in both casual and formal settings.

  • I am inviting all my relatives to the wedding.
  • He has many relatives living in different countries.
family members

This term is often used to specifically emphasize individuals within your immediate or extended family. It is commonly used in personal conversations and in official or legal contexts.

  • Family members at the reunion were glad to see each other.
  • All family members should attend the meeting.
kin

This word has a more formal or old-fashioned connotation and might be used in literature, historical contexts, or regional dialects. It often refers to family connections or heritage.

  • She felt a deep connection to her kin.
  • The kin gathered to discuss their ancestral property.
relations

Used mostly in formal or British English to describe family connections. It can be used in both positive and negative situations.

  • The holiday dinner included many distant relations.
  • Relations between the family members were strained.

Examples of usage

  • He invited all his relatives to the family reunion.
  • My relatives came from all over the country to celebrate the holidays together.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'relatives'

The word 'relatives' originated from the Latin word 'relativus', meaning 'having reference or relation'. Throughout history, the concept of family and kinship has been essential in human societies, leading to the development of the term 'relatives' to describe the connections between individuals through blood or marriage.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,278, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.