families Definition
- 1a group consisting of one or two parents and their children
- 2all the descendants of a common ancestor
- 3a group of people related by blood or marriage
Using families: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "families" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The family went on vacation together.
Example
She comes from a large family.
Example
They traced their family tree back to the 16th century.
Example
We are all one big family here at the company.
families Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for families
- clans
- households
- tribes
Phrases with families
a family unit consisting of parents and their children, usually living together in the same household
Example
The nuclear family is the most common family structure in the United States.
a family unit consisting of parents, their children, and other relatives, often living in the same household or nearby
Example
In many cultures, the extended family is an important source of support and community.
family values
the moral and ethical principles traditionally upheld by families, such as loyalty, respect, and responsibility
Example
Many politicians appeal to family values in their campaigns.
Summary: families in Brief
The term 'families' [ˈfæməliz] refers to groups of people related by blood or marriage, including parents and their children. It can also refer to all the descendants of a common ancestor. Examples include 'The family went on vacation together,' and 'We are all one big family here at the company.' 'Families' extends into phrases like 'nuclear family,' denoting a family unit of parents and children, and 'family values,' referring to traditional moral and ethical principles upheld by families.
