FAMILY Meaning and
Definition
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Family is a broad and multifaceted concept that encompasses various interpretations and understandings across different societies and cultures. At its core, a family is a group of individuals connected through blood relations, marriage, or adoption, bound together by emotional ties and a sense of mutual support, love, and interdependence. It encompasses a range of relationships, including parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws, among others.
The concept of family extends beyond just biological connections, as it can also include individuals who may not be related by blood or legal ties but are considered part of the family unit due to close emotional bonds and shared values. The family provides a fundamental unit of social structure, contributing to the continuity of society by nurturing and socializing its members. It serves as a primary source of emotional, social, and economic support and plays a crucial role in the well-being and development of its members.
Family dynamics and structures vary greatly across cultures, reflecting diverse perspectives on roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Traditional notions of the nuclear family, consisting of a married couple and their biological or adopted children, have evolved to include various alternative family structures, such as single-parent families, same-sex parent families, stepfamilies, and multi-generational families. These variations highlight the evolving nature of the concept of family and its importance in reflecting and accommodating societal changes. Ultimately, family represents an essential foundation of human relationships and forms the building blocks of social cohesion and personal growth.
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1. A group of blood relatives, or, more strictly, the parents and their children. 2. In biological classification a division, denoted by the termination -idea, between the order and the genus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A household; descendants from one common progenitor; race; lineage; in nat. hist. classifications, the group next in comprehensiveness above a genus; kind, tribe, or group.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for FAMILY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for FAMILY
Etymology of FAMILY
The word "family" originated from the Latin word "familia", which referred to a household, including both the servants and the members related by blood. The term evolved from the Latin word "famulus", meaning "servant" or "slave". This reflects the historical perception of the family unit as not only inclusive of blood relations but also including those living within the household. Over time, the term "family" has come to denote a group of people linked by blood relations, marriage, or adoption, living together and sharing both emotional and financial responsibilities.
Idioms with the word FAMILY
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family man
The idiom "family man" refers to a person, particularly a man, who prioritizes and cherishes their family above all else. It describes someone who is dedicated to their spouse and children, and actively takes responsibility for their well-being and happiness.
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sell the family silver
The idiom "sell the family silver" refers to the act of selling valuable or sentimental possessions, often in times of financial hardship or desperation, as a means to temporarily alleviate financial difficulties. It can also imply sacrificing long-term gains or future security for immediate benefit.
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in the family way
The idiom "in the family way" is an old-fashioned euphemism which means that a woman is pregnant.
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the black sheep (of the family)
The idiom "the black sheep (of the family)" refers to a person who is considered odd or different from the other members of their family. It typically implies that this person is seen as rebellious, troublesome, or has a wayward lifestyle and behavior, often contrasting with the rest of the family who are more conventional, respectable, or successful.
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family that prays together stays together
The idiom "family that prays together stays together" means that a family who regularly engages in collective prayer or religious activities tends to have a stronger bond and is more likely to stay united and supportive of one another. The saying highlights the belief that shared religious practices and spirituality can foster harmony, understanding, and resilience within a family.
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be in the family way
The idiom "be in the family way" is an older, euphemistic expression used to say that someone is pregnant.
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family jewels
The idiom "family jewels" refers to valuable or prized possessions, typically inherited items or valuable assets passed down through generations within a family. It can also sometimes be used informally to euphemistically refer to a man's testicles.
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like one of the family
The idiom "like one of the family" refers to treating someone with the same level of care, love, and respect as a close family member. It implies a strong bond, trust, and familiarity with someone who is not biologically related but is considered part of the family or is treated as such.
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run in the family
The idiom "run in the family" means that a certain characteristic, ability, or trait is common among members of a specific family due to genetic inheritance or shared environmental factors.
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the (or your) family jewels
The idiom "the (or your) family jewels" refers to a humorous or euphemistic way of referring to a man's testicles or male genitalia. It is often used as a playful or colloquial way to describe this anatomical part.
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black sheep of the family
The idiom "black sheep of the family" refers to a family member who is considered different, eccentric, or the least successful compared to the rest of the family. This person often deviates from societal norms or family expectations, causing some level of disappointment, disapproval, or embarrassment among other family members.
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start a family
The idiom "start a family" refers to the process of establishing a family unit by getting married or entering into a committed relationship and subsequently having children. It implies the beginning of parenthood and the responsibility of raising a family together.
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run in the/(one's) family
The idiom "run in the/(one's) family" is used to describe a characteristic, trait, skill, behavior, or tendency that is common among the members of a family across multiple generations. It suggests that the mentioned attribute is inherited or passed down genetically from one generation to another.
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a family man
The idiom "a family man" typically refers to a man who prioritizes and takes responsibility in caring for his family. It describes someone who places a strong emphasis on the well-being and happiness of their spouse and/or children, often making sacrifices and dedicating a significant amount of time and energy towards their family life.
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in a family way
The idiom "in a family way" is an old-fashioned and euphemistic expression that means being pregnant or expecting a child. It is used to imply that a woman is pregnant without directly stating it.
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in a/the family way
The idiom "in a/the family way" is a euphemism referring to being pregnant, particularly for an unmarried woman.
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one big happy family
The idiom "one big happy family" refers to a group of people who are closely connected or related, and they get along well and live in harmony with each other. It emphasizes the idea of strong familial ties, understanding, and unity within a group or community.
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(all) in the family
"(All) in the family" is an idiom that refers to a situation or scenario where all the individuals involved are related by blood or marriage. It can also represent a situation where loyalty or involvement is limited to a closed group of people, often excluding outsiders.
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wear the britches (in the family)
The idiom "wear the britches (in the family)" refers to a person, typically a male, who assumes a dominant or authoritative role within their family or household. This individual is often seen as the one who makes the final decisions and holds the most power or control over others. The idiom conveys the idea of someone figuratively wearing or possessing the metaphorical pants, symbolizing their authority or leadership position.
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How's the family?
Similar spelling words for FAMILY
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