"Were related" is a phrase that describes the connection between individuals who share a family bond or have a kinship. It signifies that two or more people are connected through a shared ancestry, common descent, or by marriage.
The phrase denotes that there is a blood relation or a genetic link between the individuals mentioned. For example, if it is said that two people were related, it implies that they are from the same family or have a direct lineage connection. This can include relationships such as siblings, cousins, parents and children, or even more distant connections like aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
The phrase "were related" can also refer to relationships formed through marriage. When two people become husband and wife, they are related through their marital bond. It can include connections like being spouses, in-laws, or even distant relatives through marriage. In this sense, the phrase signifies a connection formed through legal and social ties rather than through a genetic link.
Overall, the phrase "were related" indicates a familial association either through blood ties or through marriage. It highlights the interconnectedness of individuals and acknowledges the bond that exists between them due to their shared heritage or marital status.
The term "were related" does not have an etymology of its own, as it is a combination of two words: "were" and "related". Each word has its own separate etymology.
1. "Were":
The word "were" is the past tense of the verb "be", which comes from the Old English word "wæron" and the Proto-Germanic word "wērun". These forms ultimately derive from the Proto-Indo-European root *es-/bʰū- which means "to be, exist".
2. "Related":
The word "related" comes from the verb "relate", which in turn comes from the Latin word "relatus", the past participle of "referre" meaning "to bring back, to report".