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collateral

kuh-LAT-er-uhl /kəˈlætərəl/

adjectiveC1GREGMATSAT

legalacademicformal

Descended from the same stock but in a different line; lateral or indirect.

In genealogy, it refers to relatives who are not in your direct vertical line (parents, grandparents, children) but share a common ancestor (siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles).

The story behind the word. The Romans combined 'com-' (together) and 'latus' (side) to describe things that run side-by-side or parallel. In family trees, this perfectly describes siblings and cousins whose lines run parallel to your own, rather than vertically above or below you.

Word relationships

indirect: Indirect is a general term, while collateral is the precise legal and genealogical term for lateral family branches.

lineal: Lineal refers to direct vertical descent (parents to children), whereas collateral refers to lateral branches.

Commonly confused with

bilateral: Bilateral means affecting two sides, while collateral in genealogy means running parallel or sideways.

Word family

collaterally (adverb): in a lateral or indirect way

Collocations

collateral branch
collateral relative
collateral line

Example sentences

"With no direct heirs remaining, the crown passed to a collateral branch of the royal family living in exile." A legal dispute over a royal succession.

Memory hook

Co (together) + Lateral (side). Relatives who are on the side of your family tree, not the main trunk. Side-by-side family lines.

When not to use

Do not confuse with the financial term 'collateral' (property pledged as security for a loan) or 'collateral damage' (unintended harm) in everyday speech unless the context is clear.

Fun facts

In legal terminology, a 'collateral descendant' is someone who can inherit your property if you die without a spouse, children, or parents.