What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
phylogeny
Example
The phylogeny of birds can be traced back to their dinosaur ancestors. [phylogeny: noun]
Example
Phylogenetic analysis is used to determine the evolutionary relationships between different species. [phylogenetic: adjective]
lineage
Example
She comes from a long lineage of doctors and medical professionals. [lineage: noun]
Example
The African elephant lineage split from the Asian elephant lineage millions of years ago. [lineage: noun]
Example
The trait for blue eyes can be traced back to a single lineage of ancient humans. [lineage: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lineage is more commonly used than phylogeny in everyday language, as it can be used to describe family or genealogical relationships. Phylogeny, on the other hand, is more commonly used in scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between phylogeny and lineage?
Phylogeny is typically associated with a more technical and scientific tone, making it more formal than lineage, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
