Meaning & Definition of word "Ancestry"
to
Ancestry
/ˈæn.sɛ.stri/
noun:
- 1. The lineage or descent of a person; the family or ancestral line.
- Example: Her ancestry can be traced back to the early settlers of the region.
- 2. A person's genetic heritage, often used in discussions of ethnicity and cultural background.
- Example: He took a DNA test to learn more about his ancestry and where his ancestors came from.
- 3. The origin or background of a particular group or species.
- Example: The researchers studied the ancestry of various dog breeds to better understand their traits.
Etymology
Derived from Middle English 'anecestrie', from Old French 'ancestre', from Latin 'antecessor', meaning predecessor.
Common Phrases and Expressions
trace one's ancestry:
To investigate one's family history.
ancestry.com:
A popular website for genealogy research.
in your ancestry:
Referring to elements or characteristics that are part of one's lineage.
Related Words
genealogy:
The study of family lineage.
heritage:
The cultural, historical, and familial legacy passed down through generations.
descendant:
A person descended from a particular ancestor.