pedigree
PED-ih-gree
/ˈpedɪɡriː/
The record of descent of an animal, showing it to be purebred; a person's ancestry or line of descent.
Carries a connotation of high quality, elite status, or verified purity of lineage.
The story behind the word. This word has a beautiful visual origin. In medieval genealogical charts, the lines showing family descent resembled the footprint of a crane. The French called this 'pié de grue' (foot of a crane), which English speakers mispronounced over time into 'pedigree'.
Word relationships
- lineage: 'Lineage' is used primarily for human ancestry, whereas 'pedigree' is frequently used for domestic animals.
- ancestry: 'Ancestry' is a general term for roots, while 'pedigree' implies a formal, documented record of pure breeding.
- mongrel: 'Mongrel' refers to an animal of mixed or unknown breeding, the exact opposite of a pure pedigree.
Commonly confused with
- heritage: 'Heritage' refers to cultural or historical legacy, whereas 'pedigree' is strictly genetic or genealogical.
Word family
- pedigreed (adjective): Having a certified purebred lineage.
Collocations
- impeccable pedigree
- pedigree dog
- prove one's pedigree
Example sentences
- "The champion poodle possessed an impeccable pedigree that was documented back to the nineteenth century." Describing a purebred show dog
- "It was a dog of pedigree, but its size and strength were terrifying." A classic mystery novel description
Memory hook
Imagine a crane standing on a family tree chart, leaving its footprint ('pedigree') on the branches. Crane's foot lineage
When not to use
Do not use 'pedigree' to describe a simple family tree unless you are emphasizing a distinguished or verified noble lineage.
Fun facts
- The term 'pedigree' is also used in genetics to refer to a diagram showing the inheritance of a trait through generations.
Explore more words
lineage, dynasty, hereditary, prestige, ancestor, consanguinity
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