student asking question

Just curious, we normally call grandmother's mother a "great grandmother", right? Then, what do you call "great grandmother's mother"? Do you simply call her an ancestor?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Correct, we use "great" for every generation above your grandparents. You could call your great grandmother's mother "great great grandmother." "Ancestor" can be used here, but it's a lot more vague as it doesn't specify the relationship you have with the person. Ex: My great great grandmother came from a literary family. => specific Ex: My ancestors were from a literary family. => more vague

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