What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
descendant
Example
She is a descendant of the Mayflower pilgrims. [descendant: noun]
Example
The descendants of the royal family still live in the palace. [descendants: plural noun]
progeny
Example
The scientist studied the progeny of the genetically modified mice. [progeny: noun]
Example
The artist's progeny inherited her talent for painting. [progeny: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Descendant is more common in everyday language than progeny. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while progeny is more formal and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between descendant and progeny?
Progeny is a more formal word than descendant. It is often used in academic or scientific contexts, while descendant can be used in both formal and informal settings.
