What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
family
Example
My family is planning a trip to the beach this summer. [family: noun]
Example
She comes from a big family with lots of siblings. [family: adjective]
kin
Example
He invited all his kin to the family reunion. [kin: noun]
Example
She felt a strong connection to her kin, even those she had never met. [kin: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Family is more commonly used than kin in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts, including legal and medical contexts. Kin is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between family and kin?
Family is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while kin is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone.
