consanguinity
kon-sang-GWIN-i-tee
/ˌkɒn.sæŋˈɡwɪn.ə.ti/
Relationship by descent from a common ancestor; relationship by blood.
Consanguinity is a precise legal and biological term. It is used to calculate genetic closeness or legal restrictions on marriage.
The story behind the word. Consanguinity is a beautiful Latin import, combining 'com-' (together) with 'sanguis' (blood). It literally translates to 'sharing blood together', a concept that ancient Roman lawyers used to determine inheritance rights.
Word relationships
- blood relation: Blood relation is the common, everyday equivalent, while consanguinity is the formal, legal, and scientific term.
- kinship: Kinship can include legal and emotional bonds, whereas consanguinity is strictly biological.
- affinity: Affinity refers to relationship by marriage or legal means, rather than biological blood relation.
Commonly confused with
- affinity: Consanguinity is blood-based; affinity is marriage-based.
Word family
- consanguineous (adjective): Relating to or denoting people of the same blood or origin.
Collocations
- degree of consanguinity
- laws of consanguinity
- close consanguinity
- proof of consanguinity
Example sentences
- "The state laws define the degrees of consanguinity within which marriage is prohibited." A legal textbook on family law.
- "Due to centuries of royal intermarriage, the high degree of consanguinity led to severe genetic disorders." A historical study of European royalty.
Memory hook
Think of 'con' (with) + 'sanguine' (which means blood-red). Sharing blood-red ties. Sharing the same blood.
When not to use
Never use consanguinity in casual conversation to mean 'closeness' unless you are specifically talking about biological blood relations.
Fun facts
- In medieval Europe, the Catholic Church banned marriages up to the seventh degree of consanguinity, which made finding a legal spouse incredibly difficult for the nobility.
Explore more words
genealogy, ancestry, descendant, pedigree, hereditary, nepotism
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