Kinship Terminology

noun blood relationship

• The study of consanguinity is important in understanding genetic diseases.
• Consanguinity is when family members marry each other.
• Some people think consanguinity is weird.
• Consanguinity can create a tangled web of relationships.

noun a relative with whom a person shares one or more common ancestors

• My cousin is studying to become a doctor at a prestigious university.
• I'm meeting up with my cousin for lunch later today.
• My cousin is cool, we always have a blast hanging out together.
• In the world of business, competition can be like a distant cousin always trying to outdo you.

noun the fact or state of being the child of a particular parent or parents

• The filiation of the ancient manuscript was confirmed through carbon dating.
• They were able to trace the filiation of the painting back to the original artist.
• I never knew the filiation of that rumor until now.
• The filiation of ideas between the two philosophers is evident in their works.

noun a line of descent traced through the maternal side of a family

• The study of one's matrilineage can reveal important information about their ancestry.
• I learned about my matrilineage from talking to my grandma.
• I'm all about that matrilineage life.
• The matrilineage of our traditions runs deep in our family.

noun one of two equal parts

• In chemistry, a moiety refers to a part of a molecule that has a specific function or property.
• I only need a moiety of the ingredients to make this dish.
• Just give me a moiety of your fries, I'm starving.
• She felt like only a moiety of her true self was being expressed in that moment.

noun a line of descent traced through the paternal side of a family

• The patrilineage of the royal family can be traced back for centuries.
• My friend is really into genealogy and has been researching his patrilineage.
• I never really cared about my patrilineage until I found out my ancestors were pirates!
• In some cultures, patrilineage is seen as a symbol of strength and power.

adjective relating to or based on the male line of descent

• The inheritance of property in this society is based on a patrilineal system.
• In their family, they follow a patrilineal line of descent.
• I heard their family tree is all about that patrilineal vibe.
• The company's leadership structure is often described as patrilineal, with power passing down from father to son.

adjective relating to or tracing descent through the male line

• In agnatic societies, descent is traced through the male line.
• In some families, agnatic inheritance is still practiced.
• I heard that guy is all about that agnatic stuff.
• The company's leadership structure is often described as agnatic, with decision-making power concentrated in a few key individuals.

noun a Ghanaian clan or family group

• The abusua is a vital social unit in Akan culture.
• Our abusua is planning a big family reunion next month.
• I can't wait to hang out with my abusua this weekend.
• The abusua of talented musicians came together to create a beautiful symphony.