genealogy
jee-nee-AL-uh-jee
/ˌdʒiː.niˈæl.ə.dʒi/
A line of descent traced continuously from an ancestor; the study of family histories.
Refers to both the actual family tree and the hobby or science of researching it.
The story behind the word. From the Greek 'genealogia', it combines 'genea' (generation/family) and 'logos' (discourse/study). It is literally the 'logic of generations'.
Word relationships
- family tree: Family tree is the visual diagram; genealogy is the study or the record itself.
Commonly confused with
- genetics: Genetics is the study of genes and DNA; genealogy is the study of family history and records.
Word family
- genealogist (noun): A person who studies genealogy.
- genealogical (adjective): Relating to the study of family lines.
Collocations
- trace one's genealogy
- genealogy enthusiast
- detailed genealogy
Example sentences
- "Since retiring, he has become obsessed with genealogy and spends hours in the national archives." Hobby
- "The book begins with a long genealogy tracing the family back to Abraham." Biblical context
Memory hook
The 'ology' (study) of your 'genes' (family). The study of generations.
When not to use
Don't use it when you just mean 'family'; it implies a structured record or study.
Fun facts
- Genealogy is currently one of the most popular hobbies in the world, fueled by the digitization of census records and DNA testing.
Related words
Explore more words
lineage, consanguinity, ancestor, genetics, hereditary, dynasty
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