clan
klan
/klæn/
A group of close-knit and interrelated families, especially one with a common ancestor.
Can refer historically to Scottish or tribal groups, or informally to any large, loyal, and tightly knit group of family members or friends.
The story behind the word. The word entered English from the Scottish Gaelic 'clann', meaning offspring or children. This Gaelic word itself was borrowed from the Latin 'planta' (a sprout or shoot), beautifully comparing children to new shoots growing from a family tree.
Word relationships
- tribe: Tribe often implies a larger, politically organized group, while clan focuses more on direct, interrelated family connections.
- individual: An individual is a single person, whereas a clan is a large collective family group.
Commonly confused with
- clique: A clique is an exclusive, often snobbish group of friends, while a clan is based on family ties and shared heritage.
Word family
- clannish (adjective): tending to associate only with one's group
Collocations
- family clan
- ruling clan
- clan gathering
Example sentences
- "The entire clan gathered at the lakeside cabin every July for a week of boating and barbecues." A description of a large family gathering.
Memory hook
Think of 'clan' as a 'plan' to keep the family together. A tight-knit group with a shared plan. A plant's shoots forming a family.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a small, fractured, or highly individualistic family unit.
Fun facts
- In the Scottish Highlands, clans were distinguished not only by their surnames but by their unique tartan patterns, which served as military uniforms in battle.
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