Meaning & use
kinship
Last updated
Meanings
noununcountable
A close connection or relationship, especially one based on family ties or shared origin.
Grammar: Uncountable; used with 'a' when describing a type: a kinship with nature.
Patterns
- kinship with someone
- kinship between people
- a sense of kinship
The kinship between the two sisters was obvious to everyone.
He felt a deep kinship with his grandfather.
They discovered a kinship based on shared experiences.
noununcountable
A feeling of closeness and understanding between people who share similar attitudes or interests.
Grammar: Often used with 'a': a kinship with like-minded people.
Patterns
- kinship with someone
- kinship among people
There was a kinship among the volunteers.
She felt a kinship with the artist's work.
Common combinations
- kinship ties
- Kinship ties kept the extended family close.
- sense of kinship
- The shared language gave them a sense of kinship.
- kinship system
- Anthropologists study the kinship system of different cultures.
- kinship group
- The kinship group gathered for the ceremony.
Synonyms and how they differ
- relationship
- A general word for any connection between people; 'kinship' specifically suggests family or a deep, family-like bond.
- affinity
- A natural liking or attraction to someone or something; 'kinship' is more about shared origin or family feeling.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: kinship or kindred?
kinship vs kindred
An adjective or noun meaning 'similar in kind' or 'a group of related people'; 'kinship' is the relationship itself, not the people.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'kinship' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 0 is correct because 'between' is used for two people. Option 1 is wrong because 'among' is used for three or more. Option 2 is wrong because 'of' does not fit here. Option 3 is wrong because 'with' would imply one brother has kinship with the other, not a mutual bond.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “kinship”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.