family
noun (countable)
UKˈfæm.əl.iUSˈfæm.əl.i
A group of people who are related to each other, especially parents and children; it can also extend to other relatives by blood or marriage.
Example Sentences
My family is planning a vacation this summer.
She values her family above all else.
A strong family provides emotional support during tough times.
He spent the weekend visiting his extended family in the countryside.
The concept of family can also include close friends who support you.
They started a new tradition to keep the family connected across generations.
When she moved overseas, she realized how much her family’s presence, comfort, and familiarity mattered to her everyday life, especially in moments of loneliness.
Modern technology allows families to stay connected through video calls and social media platforms, bridging geographical distances and helping them maintain a sense of togetherness in a rapidly changing world.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A closely connected group linked by kinship or strong social ties.“Family” is a noun describing a group of individuals related by blood, marriage, partnership, or close bonds. You might use it to highlight the people you live with, share DNA with, or consider your closest circle. In everyday contexts, phrases like “my family” or “our family” focus on the immediate household—parents, siblings, partners, and children—but the word also stretches to extended relatives such as grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles. You might say, “We’re planning a family reunion next summer,” or “Family support helped me through tough times,” emphasizing emotional or financial backing. Outside biological ties, “family” can also indicate any close-knit circle you view as vital—like a “work family” or “friend family.” In academic or sociological writing, “family” can be more formally defined to include legally recognized or culturally accepted relationships. Whether you’re referencing parents and children, an extended clan of kin, or an informal group of chosen loved ones, “family” evokes the notion of shared history, mutual care, and ongoing connection. Use it in contexts like describing traditions (“family dinners on Sundays”) or discussing important life decisions (“I consulted my family first”) to underscore trust, unity, and belonging. (Approx. 230 words)
Alternatives
Depending on context, you might substitute words like “household,” “relatives,” “kin,” “clan,” or “support system” in place of “family.” “Household” highlights the people who share a living space, whether related or not, while “relatives” zooms in on blood or marriage ties. “Kin” is more traditional or genealogical, emphasizing lineage. Meanwhile, “clan” evokes larger groups bound by shared ancestry, sometimes across generations or historical periods. If you’re focusing on emotional connections, “support system” might be apt, covering close friends and trusted allies who stand by you like family would. Each term offers a slightly different shade of meaning—ranging from strict biological relations to a broader notion of community and care. Choosing the right synonym depends on how personal, formal, or expansive your reference is. For instance, “kin” suits historical or cultural contexts, “relatives” may fit simple, everyday talk about who’s attending the next holiday gathering, and “support system” broadens the idea to include non-traditional groups. Whether you need a more intimate or extended frame, exploring such synonyms can precisely capture the bond or scope you intend. (Approx. 200 words)
Writing
When writing about “family,” clarity and context help readers connect with the narrative or argument you’re crafting. First, define who or what you mean by “family”—are you covering a traditional nuclear unit, an extended network of relatives, or a close-knit group of friends who function like a family? If you’re penning a personal essay, small details bring the concept to life: mention inside jokes, shared holidays, or cherished heirlooms that symbolize unity. When drafting formal or academic work, you could emphasize sociological or anthropological definitions—like the difference between nuclear, extended, and chosen families. Incorporate examples to illustrate variations in structure, roles, or cultural norms. Highlight how the concept evolves over time—for instance, changes in societal views on who’s considered a family member. Keep an eye on tone: a warm, narrative approach might resonate in memoirs or magazine articles, whereas a neutral, data-driven perspective is better for research papers. Even if your piece is technical, grounding “family” in real-life snapshots can humanize your subject. Whether you’re exploring genealogy, discussing modern living arrangements, or celebrating holiday customs, using “family” with precision and depth ensures authenticity, emotional resonance, and clarity. (Approx. 230 words)
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “family” usually calls to mind the people you care about and spend time with, whether they’re blood relatives or chosen kin. You might say, “My family’s coming over for a barbecue,” referring to parents, siblings, or extended relatives joining a casual gathering. Or you might be speaking about friends who feel like family, telling someone, “They’re basically my family.” Chatting about family often involves lighthearted stories—like the funny quirks your aunt has or the game nights your family hosts. If you’re relaying personal news, “I told my family first” signals that they’re your core support network. Small phrases like “family dinner,” “family tradition,” or “family time” underscore a sense of warmth and belonging. Casual talk about family can also include gentle teasing or inside jokes—“My family always picks on me for being the youngest.” Whether you’re sharing a milestone achievement, seeking advice, or just planning next weekend’s activities, using “family” in informal chats reminds everyone that these are the people you lean on and laugh with. It’s a down-to-earth term, instantly conveying trust, closeness, and a lifelong bond. (Approx. 210 words)
Etymology
The word “family” stems from the Latin “familia,” traditionally referring to the household, including not just relatives but also servants and other dependents. In ancient Rome, “familia” covered everyone under the authority of a single head, reflecting the importance of social hierarchy and collective responsibilities. Over time, as languages evolved through Old French and into Middle English, “family” narrowed to signify kinship ties by blood, marriage, or adoption. Yet its core idea remained: a group dwelling and working together, sharing resources and shaping each other’s lives. Historical shifts, particularly with industrialization, led to smaller family units focusing on parents and children, known as the nuclear family. In modern usage, “family” covers a broad spectrum of relationships—single-parent homes, blended families, same-sex parents, and even close friend groups who identify as family. The term continues to expand in meaning, reflecting changing societal norms and personal choices. Nonetheless, its Latin root highlights unity within a household, emphasizing how we live, grow, and thrive together under one supportive roof. (Approx. 210 words)
