Family Meaning
Family Definition & Usage
A group consisting of parents and their children, or all the descendants of a common ancestor.
Examples
- "She comes from a large family with five siblings."
- "His family lives in the city, while he works abroad."
- "They invited their family to the wedding ceremony."
- "We spend every holiday with our extended family."
- "The family gathered for a reunion every summer."
A group of people or things that share common traits, goals, or interests.
Examples
- "The tech startup quickly became a family of like-minded innovators."
- "In the world of classical music, musicians often consider their orchestra a second family."
- "The small town had a tight-knit family atmosphere."
- "She treated the local shelter workers as part of her extended family."
- "The company prides itself on fostering a family-like culture among its employees."
A classification group in biology that includes organisms sharing common characteristics, such as in plant or animal classification.
Examples
- "The feline family includes all cat species, from domestic cats to lions."
- "The family Canidae consists of dogs, wolves, foxes, and other related species."
- "In botany, the rose family includes plants like roses, apples, and strawberries."
- "Many animals in the same family have similar physical traits."
- "Taxonomists study the genetic relationships within the same biological family."
Cultural Context
'Family' has been a cornerstone of human society across cultures and time periods. It can refer to immediate relatives (nuclear family) or extended kinship networks. In many cultures, family holds a central role in social structure, emotional support, and inheritance practices.
The Family Tree
Story
The Family Tree
Anna had always felt that family was more than just the people you’re born to. Growing up in a house full of laughter, her parents had taught her that the family you choose could be just as important as the one you were born into. This belief guided her through life, especially as she moved to the city after college. At first, Anna’s new life felt empty. She missed the comfort of her family’s home, the familiar faces of her siblings, and the tradition of Sunday dinners. But soon, she began to form her own ‘family.’ Her coworkers at the café became like siblings—helping each other through tough shifts, sharing laughs during breaks, and celebrating birthdays together. They even started an annual weekend getaway where they all reconnected outside of work. One day, Anna's childhood friend, Mia, called her. 'I’ve decided to visit you this weekend. I need my family,' she said. Anna smiled. Mia had always been there for her, just like a sister. As she hung up the phone, Anna realized that the meaning of 'family' had evolved for her—it wasn’t just the people you were born to. It was the bonds you created, the support you gave each other. The weekend came, and Anna’s chosen family gathered. They spent the afternoon in the park, laughing and reminiscing. As they sat down for a picnic, Anna looked around and realized that this moment, with these people, was what family meant to her now. It wasn’t about where you came from; it was about where you belonged. Later, as Anna sat by the fireplace with Mia and the others, she thought about her biological family back home. They might be miles away, but she knew they were still there. They were part of her past, and this new family was part of her present. 'I guess,' Anna said, looking around at her friends, 'family is wherever you feel at home.'
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