Dictionary monolingual
English
Family
ˈfæm(ə)li
Extremely common
200 - 300
200 - 300
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Family -
A group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption living together and functioning as a unit.
Example: I have a big family with lots of cousins and aunts.
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'family' referring to one's relatives.
A group of people who are generally not related by blood but who share common attitudes, interests, or goals.
Example: My coworkers are like family to me; we support each other through everything.
Usage: informalContext: work or social settings
Note: This meaning highlights the idea of close-knit relationships beyond blood ties.
A group of related plants or animals sharing certain characteristics.
Example: The rose family includes not only roses but also apples, pears, and cherries.
Usage: formalContext: botanical or zoological discussions
Note: In scientific contexts, 'family' can refer to a taxonomic classification.
Family's synonyms
household
A household refers to a group of people living together in a single dwelling.
Example: Our household consists of my parents, siblings, and me.
Note: While family denotes a group of related individuals, household focuses on the people living together in a shared space.
kin
Kin refers to one's relatives or family members.
Example: She felt a strong connection to her kin, even though they lived far apart.
Note: Kin is a more formal or literary term for family, often used to convey a sense of closeness or relationship between relatives.
clan
A clan is a close-knit group of people with a common ancestry or shared interests.
Example: The clan gathered for their annual reunion to celebrate their shared heritage.
Note: Clan typically implies a larger extended family or social group with a shared lineage or history.
Family expressions, common phrases
Blood is thicker than water
This phrase means that family ties are stronger and more important than other relationships or friendships.
Example: I may have disagreements with my friends, but when it comes down to it, blood is thicker than water, and I will always support my family.
Note: The phrase 'blood is thicker than water' emphasizes the importance of familial bonds over other types of relationships or connections.
Like father, like son
This phrase suggests that a son's behavior or characteristics often reflect those of his father.
Example: John is a successful businessman just like his father. Like father, like son, they both have a talent for entrepreneurship.
Note: The phrase 'like father, like son' highlights the similarities between a father and his son, emphasizing resemblance or shared traits.
Black sheep of the family
This idiom refers to a family member who is considered a disgrace or an embarrassment due to their different behavior or beliefs.
Example: Sarah was always the black sheep of the family, as she pursued a career in art while everyone else became doctors or lawyers.
Note: The term 'black sheep of the family' signifies a family member who stands out negatively from the rest of the family in terms of behavior or lifestyle.
Family ties
Family ties refer to the close relationships and connections within a family.
Example: Despite living in different cities, the family ties between the siblings remained strong, and they would always come together during holidays.
Note: The term 'family ties' emphasizes the emotional and relational connections that bind family members together.
Home is where the heart is
This phrase means that one feels most comfortable and content in the place where their loved ones are.
Example: After years of traveling, Maria finally returned to her hometown, realizing that home is where the heart is, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
Note: The phrase 'home is where the heart is' focuses on the emotional attachment and sense of belonging that come from being with loved ones, rather than a physical location.
Family tree
A family tree is a diagram that shows the relationships between different members of a family across several generations.
Example: During the family reunion, they spent hours discussing their family tree, tracing back generations to learn about their ancestors.
Note: The term 'family tree' is a metaphorical representation of a family's lineage and ancestry, depicted in a structured diagram.
In-laws
In-laws are the relatives of one's spouse, such as a mother-in-law, father-in-law, or sister-in-law.
Example: After getting married, Mike had to get used to spending holidays with his in-laws, who welcomed him into their family with open arms.
Note: The term 'in-laws' refers to family members by marriage rather than blood relations, creating extended familial connections through marriage.
Close-knit family
A close-knit family is one that maintains strong emotional bonds and stays closely connected with one another.
Example: The Smiths were known for being a close-knit family, always supporting each other through thick and thin.
Note: The term 'close-knit family' emphasizes the tight relationships and unity within a family, highlighting their strong emotional connections and support for each other.
Family values
Family values refer to the moral and ethical principles that a family upholds and passes down through generations.
Example: Their family values of honesty, respect, and hard work were instilled in them from a young age and remained important throughout their lives.
Note: The term 'family values' signifies the ethical beliefs and principles that guide a family's behavior and decisions, reflecting their shared moral code and traditions.
Family everyday (slang) expressions
Fam
Fam is a casual slang term used to refer to one's family or close friends. It is often used to express closeness and familiarity with a group of people.
Example: I'm heading out with the fam later.
Note: Fam is a shortened and more informal version of the word 'family'. It can also be used to refer to close friends, not just relatives.
Crew
Crew is a slang term that can be used to refer to a close-knit group of friends or family members who frequently spend time together.
Example: My crew and I are planning a weekend getaway.
Note: Crew typically refers to a group of friends or associates, while family specifically denotes blood relatives.
Tribe
Tribe is a slang term used to describe a close group of friends or a supportive community that one feels a strong connection to, similar to a family.
Example: I love spending time with my tribe on weekends.
Note: Tribe emphasizes a sense of belonging and shared values, like a traditional tribal community, although it's used more broadly to refer to a close-knit group.
Squad
Squad is a slang term that refers to a tight-knit group of friends or family members who support and look out for one another.
Example: My squad always has my back no matter what.
Note: Squad typically implies a smaller, tighter group than a 'family', often with a focus on camaraderie and mutual support.
Home team
Home team is a slang term that can refer to one's family or close group of friends, especially those one relies on or feels most comfortable with.
Example: I always stick with my home team no matter what.
Note: Home team emphasizes loyalty and support, as one might feel towards a sports team, in the context of personal relationships.
Family - Examples
My family is very close-knit.
She has a large family with many siblings.
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Family grammar
Family - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: family
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): families, family
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): family
Syllables, Separation and Stress
family Contains 3 syllables: fam • i • ly
Phonetic transcription: ˈfam-lē
fam i ly , ˈfam lē (The red syllable is stressed)
Family - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
family: 200 - 300 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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