Meaning & Definition of word "Ancestry"
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.