kinship

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'kinship' is a correct and usable word in English.
It is a noun which refers to the relationship between family members or between people of the same social group. Example sentence: They have strong bonds of kinship that will last a lifetime.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It didn't occur to me for a second I could have some kinship with other groups.

The Guardian - Film

Do you feel a kinship with grieving elephants, I ask Christopher Reid?

The Guardian - Books

But there is an enormous amount of kinship to be found in not sharing secrets – in fact, in possibly not saying much at all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pact is running a project to support kinship carers, which is funded by the City of London Corporation's City Bridge Trust.

The Guardian

"I look in the face of the bear and discover no kinship, no understanding, no mercy," he tells a puzzled George.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It also urges greater support for kinship carers, often grandparents.

The Guardian

In part this kinship is about ideology or, as Political Capital puts it, "post-communist neo-conservatism".

The Guardian - Opinion

Just over half are in care and it is assumed that the rest are taken in by "kinship carers", such as grandparents, aunts or friends.

The Guardian

"You have to try to create a sense of the kinship and dependency they have had for the past 12 or 13 years".

The Guardian

As the suspect was led away, they chatted to him gamely, presenting an image of the age-old kinship between coppers and crooks.But in fact these days they have little in common.

The Economist

Some have kinship ties with the rebels in Darfur and have supplied them with arms.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "kinship", be specific about the type of relationship you're referring to: is it based on blood, marriage, adoption, or shared interests?

Common error

Avoid using "kinship" when you simply mean familiarity or acquaintance. "Kinship" implies a deeper, more significant connection, not just casual knowledge of someone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "kinship" is as a noun. It denotes a state of being related or connected, whether by blood, marriage, or shared qualities. Ludwig AI validates this usage with numerous examples from diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kinship" is a noun that denotes a relationship or connection, primarily through blood, marriage, or adoption. While often associated with family, it can also refer to shared qualities or interests. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates its frequent use in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. When using "kinship", it's important to be specific about the nature of the relationship and avoid confusing it with mere familiarity. Alternative phrases such as "family relationship" or "affinity" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

family relationship

Replaces the general term with a more specific focus on familial bonds.

blood relation

Emphasizes the genetic connection between individuals.

close ties

Indicates strong connections, not necessarily familial.

shared ancestry

Highlights a common lineage or heritage.

affinity

Focuses on a natural liking or connection.

connection

A broad term for any type of relationship.

relationship

A general term for how people or things are connected.

fellowship

Emphasizes a sense of community and shared experience.

fraternity

Highlights a bond of brotherhood or shared purpose.

commonality

Stresses shared traits, interests or origins.

FAQs

What does "kinship" mean?

"Kinship" refers to a connection between people through blood, marriage, adoption, or shared origins. It can also describe a sense of connection based on shared characteristics or feelings.

How do I use "kinship" in a sentence?

You can use "kinship" to describe family relationships, like "Their strong family "kinship" helped them through difficult times." You can also use it to describe other connections, like "They felt a "kinship" with others who shared their passion for music."

What can I say instead of "kinship"?

You can use alternatives like "family relationship", "affinity", or "connection" depending on the specific context.

Is "kinship" only about family?

While "kinship" often refers to family relationships, it can also describe a sense of connection or shared identity among people who are not related by blood or marriage. The feeling of "fellowship" or "fraternity" can describe the "kinship" that exists between non-relatives.