ancestor
noun (countable)
UK/ˈæn.ses.tər/US/ˈæn.ses.tɚ/
An organism from which another organism is descended; a predecessor in the evolutionary lineage.
同義詞典
同義詞
反義詞
使用方式
A person from whom one is descended, typically more remote than a grandparent, or a previous generation in a lineage.An "ancestor" is someone from whom a person is descended, usually referring to a relative from several generations back, such as great-grandparents or earlier. For example, "She discovered that her ancestor emigrated from Ireland in the 1800s," indicates that someone in her lineage moved from Ireland in that time period.Ancestors are often discussed in the context of genealogy, history, and cultural heritage. They can be biological, referring to direct familial lines, or metaphorical, symbolizing foundational figures in an organization or movement. For instance, "The company's values are deeply rooted in the principles established by its founders, who are considered its ancestors." Understanding one's ancestors can provide insights into family traditions, inherited traits, and historical contexts that shaped present circumstances. It also plays a significant role in various cultural and religious practices, where honoring ancestors is a way to maintain connections with past generations.In research, studying ancestors involves tracing lineage through records, DNA analysis, and oral histories to build a comprehensive family tree or understand genetic heritage. This can reveal migration patterns, social statuses, and pivotal events that influenced the family's development over time.
替代選項
When referring to "ancestor," consider the following alternatives based on context:1. **Forebear**: A more formal term for an ancestor, such as "He traced his forebears back to the medieval period."2. **Progenitor**: Emphasizes the role as a founder or originator, like "The common progenitor of all living humans is believed to have lived millions of years ago."3. **Predecessor**: Often used in contexts beyond family, like "Her predecessor in the company set high standards."4. **Patriarch/Matriarch**: Refers specifically to a male or female ancestor who is a head of a family, for example, "The patriarch of the family lived to be 100 years old."5. **Lineage**: Describes the line of ancestors collectively, such as "He took pride in his noble lineage."These alternatives can be used interchangeably depending on the formality and specificity of the context.
寫作
In formal or academic writing, "ancestor" can be utilized to explore themes of heritage, genealogy, and historical influence. For example:- **Genealogy**: "The study of one's ancestors provides a deeper understanding of familial roots and inherited traits."- **Cultural Analysis**: "Many cultural traditions are passed down through generations, reflecting the values and beliefs of our ancestors."- **Historical Context**: "Understanding the lives of our ancestors helps us comprehend the societal structures of the past and their impact on present-day norms."When writing about ancestors, it is beneficial to provide clear context, such as specifying the time period, geographical location, or cultural background. Additionally, incorporating specific examples or anecdotes can make the discussion more engaging and relatable. For instance: "My ancestor, a farmer in 19th-century England, endured harsh winters and contributed to the agricultural innovations of his time."Furthermore, in scientific or evolutionary discussions, "ancestor" can refer to earlier forms in a species' lineage, like: "Homo sapiens share a common ancestor with Neanderthals approximately 600,000 years ago." This usage emphasizes the biological and evolutionary connections between species.
日常對話
In everyday conversations, "ancestor" is often used when talking about family history or heritage. For example:- **Family Stories**: "My great-great-grandfather was an immigrant from Italy, and he's my oldest known ancestor."- **Genealogy Interest**: "I love researching my ancestors; it's fascinating to see where my family comes from."- **Cultural Heritage**: "We celebrate our ancestors' traditions every year during the festival."Using "ancestor" casually conveys a sense of connection to the past and can be part of discussions about family roots, traditions, or personal identity. It can also be used metaphorically to refer to early or foundational figures in various contexts: "These design principles are the ancestors of modern architecture." Such usage emphasizes the idea of origins and foundational influence in a relaxed and relatable manner.
詞源
The word "ancestor" comes from the Latin word "antecessor," meaning "one who goes before." It is derived from "ante," meaning "before," and "cedere," meaning "to go." The term entered Middle English as "anestor," retaining its meaning related to forebears or predecessors. Over time, "ancestor" has been consistently used to describe individuals from whom one is descended, emphasizing the familial lineage and the passage of traits, traditions, and histories from one generation to the next. The concept of ancestors is deeply ingrained in many cultures, reflecting the importance of heritage and the connections between past and present generations.
