Meaning & use
lineal descent
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Meanings
phraseuncountablelegallaw
The direct passing of property, title, or status from parent to child through the generations.
Grammar: Uncountable when talking about the principle; it takes a singular verb.
Patterns
- by lineal descent
- through lineal descent
The estate passes by lineal descent to the eldest son.
In some cultures, property is inherited through lineal descent rather than by will.
phraseuncountableformal
The condition of being related directly to an ancestor in an unbroken line, such as from grandparent to parent to child.
Grammar: Uncountable; often used in phrases like 'trace lineal descent'.
Patterns
- trace lineal descent from someone
- claim lineal descent
She can trace her lineal descent from a seventeenth-century settler.
The society requires proof of lineal descent from a Revolutionary War soldier.
Common combinations
- by lineal descent
- The title is inherited by lineal descent.
- trace lineal descent
- Many Americans try to trace lineal descent to their immigrant ancestors.
- proof of lineal descent
- Applicants must provide proof of lineal descent.
- lineal descent from
- He claims lineal descent from a famous king.
Synonyms and how they differ
- direct descent
- Similar, but 'direct' is more general and can also mean 'without stopping'; 'lineal' specifically refers to a line of ancestors.
- lineage
- Refers to the whole line of ancestors, not just the principle of descent.
Opposites
Word family
- lineal adjective
- Relating to a direct line of ancestry.
- lineally adverb
- In a direct line of descent.
- descend verb
- To come from an ancestor.
- descendant noun
- A person who is related to someone who lived in the past.
Commonly confused: lineal descent or linear descent?
lineal descent vs linear descent
This is not a standard phrase. 'Linear' means in a straight line, but 'lineal' is the correct word for family descent.
Practice
The throne passes by ______ descent, from father to son.
Choose one answer.
'Lineal' means directly from parent to child, which fits the context of a throne passing from father to son. 'Linear' means in a straight line but is not used for family descent. 'Lateral' and 'collateral' refer to side branches, not the direct line.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “lineal descent”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.