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lineage

LIN-ee-ij /ˈlɪn.i.ɪdʒ/

nounC1GRESATTOEFL

formalacademic

Direct descent from an ancestor; ancestral derivation or family pedigree.

Traces a direct, continuous sequence of genealogical or institutional connections from past to present.

The story behind the word. From Old French 'lignage', derived from Latin 'linea' (a linen thread or straight mark). It metaphorically envisions family history as a single unbroken thread drawn across centuries.

Word relationships

ancestry: Ancestry refers to all past relatives combined, while lineage emphasizes the direct chronological line connecting them.
pedigree: Pedigree is often used for domesticated animals or aristocratic families with recorded bloodlines.

posterity: Posterity refers to all future descendants rather than past forebears.

Commonly confused with

lineament: Lineament refers to a distinctive facial feature, whereas lineage refers to family line.

Word family

lineal (adjective): In a direct line of descent or succession.

Collocations

royal lineage
direct lineage
ancient lineage
trace one's lineage

Idioms & expressions

noble lineage

Example sentences

"The monarch's lineage could be traced back continuously to the twelfth century." Royal genealogy
"Genetic testing allowed researchers to map the ancient evolutionary lineage of the species." Evolutionary biology

Memory hook

LINEAGE is a LINE of AGEs through family history. An unbroken thread of family descent.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'linear'; lineage is noun describing bloodlines or traditions, not a geometry term.

Fun facts

In medieval Europe, family trees were drawn using a foot-like three-pronged mark called a 'pede de gru' (crane's foot), giving us 'pedigree'.