A1noun1K

Family

UK /["/ˈfæməli/"]/US /["/ˈfæməli/"]/

Definition

a group consisting of one or two parents and their children

In simple words: A group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption.

Examples

  • My family always gathers for dinner on Sundays.
  • The family tree shows all the members of our extended family.
  • In many cultures, family is the most important social unit.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. It can refer to immediate family (like parents and siblings) or extended family (like aunts, uncles, and cousins). Avoid using in overly formal situations, such as academic writing, where you might prefer 'relatives' or 'kin.'

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'fam' for short – like your close crew.

Collocations

  • big
  • large
  • entire
  • belong to
  • be one of
  • be part of
  • background
  • history
  • tradition
  • in a/​the family
  • within a/​the family
  • family and friends
  • a member of a family
  • big
  • large
  • entire
  • belong to
  • be one of
  • be part of
  • background
  • history
  • tradition
  • in a/​the family
  • within a/​the family
  • family and friends
  • a member of a family
  • big
  • large
  • entire
  • belong to
  • be one of
  • be part of
  • background
  • history
  • tradition
  • in a/​the family
  • within a/​the family
  • family and friends
  • a member of a family
  • large
  • small
  • young
  • have
  • start
  • bring up
  • size
  • man

Synonyms

  • relatives
  • kin
  • clan
  • tribe

Antonyms

  • individual
  • stranger

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'familial' which is more formal and specific.
  • Using 'family' as a plural noun (e.g. 'families' instead of 'family members').
  • Mixing up 'family' with 'household,' which has a different social structure context.