What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lineage
Example
She comes from a long lineage of artists. [lineage: noun]
Example
The lineage of the royal family can be traced back for centuries. [lineage: noun]
descent
Example
He is of French descent but was born and raised in the United States. [descent: noun]
Example
The hikers carefully made their descent down the steep mountain trail. [descent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Descent is more commonly used than lineage in everyday language. Descent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lineage is less common and has a more formal and historical connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lineage and descent?
Lineage is typically associated with a more formal tone, while descent can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
