consanguinity
kon-sang-GWIN-ih-tee
/ˌmætrɪˈlɪniəl/
Relationship by descent from a common ancestor; blood relationship.
This is a highly formal and legal term. It refers strictly to biological, genetic relationships, as opposed to relationships formed by marriage or adoption.
The story behind the word. From the Latin consanguinitas, combining com- (together) and sanguis (blood). It literally translates to 'sharing blood together,' reflecting the ancient belief that family members literally shared the same physical blood flowing through their veins.
Word relationships
- kinship: Kinship can include social and legal bonds (like marriage and adoption), whereas consanguinity is strictly biological.
- blood relationship: Blood relationship is the common, everyday equivalent of the formal, legal term consanguinity.
- affinity: In legal terms, affinity is relationship by marriage, whereas consanguinity is relationship by blood.
Commonly confused with
- affinity: Affinity refers to kinship by marriage (in-laws), while consanguinity refers to kinship by shared blood/genetics.
Word family
- consanguineous (adjective): Relating to or denoting people descended from the same ancestor.
Collocations
- laws of consanguinity
- degrees of consanguinity
- close consanguinity
Example sentences
- "The laws of consanguinity prevent close relatives from marrying to avoid genetic disorders." A legal text defining who is allowed to marry.
- "Consanguinity, or relation by blood, is defined to be vinculum personarum ab eodem stipite descendentium, the connection or relation of persons descended from the same stock." A historical quote on the laws of England. (William Blackstone, 'Commentaries on the Laws of England' (1765))
Memory hook
Look at the 'sang' in 'consanguinity'. It sounds like 'sangre' (Spanish for blood) or 'sanguine' (red/bloody). It means 'with blood'. Con (with) + sang (blood) = blood relation.
When not to use
Do not use to describe close friendships or marriages; it is strictly for biological, genetic connections.
Fun facts
- In medieval canon law, the Catholic Church prohibited marriage up to the seventh degree of consanguinity, which made finding a spouse incredibly difficult for European royalty.
Explore more words
genealogy, ancestry, descendant, pedigree, hereditary, nepotism
Also appears in
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