ancestral in English
- ancestral⇄adv. ancestrally.
- ancestral⇄ancestral, adjective.
1. of or having to do with ancestors.
Ex. England was the ancestral home of the Pilgrims.
2. inherited from ancestors.
Ex. Black hair is an ancestral trait in that family.
(SYN) hereditary.
ancestral in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
ancestral in Konkani कोंकणी
ancestral in Sindhi سنڌي
ancestral in Telugu తెలుగు
Ancestral
Part of Speech
Adjective
Pronunciation
/ænˈsɛstrəl/ (an-SES-truhl)
Definitions
- Relating to or inherited from ancestors or forebears.
- Of or pertaining to one's family lineage, heritage, or traditions.
- Belonging to or passed down from previous generations, especially in terms of property, culture, or customs.
Usage Examples
- "The ancestral home had been passed down through generations."
- "She was deeply connected to her ancestral roots, honoring the traditions of her forebears."
- "The ancestral ceremonies were performed every year to honor the family's past."
Etymology
From Middle English *ancestral*, from Old French *ancestral*, derived from Latin *ancestralis*, from *ancestor* meaning "forebear." The word "ancestral" has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe something related to ancestors.
Synonyms
- Familial
- Hereditary
- Genealogical
- Traditional
Antonyms
- Modern
- Contemporary
- Recent
- New
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Ancestral | /ænˈsɛstrəl/ |
| Spanish | Ancestral | /anθesˈtɾal/ |
| French | Ancestral | /ɑ̃sɛstʁal/ |
| German | Ahnen- | /ˈaːnən/ |
| Italian | Ancestrale | /anˈtʃɛstraːle/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 祖先的 (zǔxiān de) | /tsʊː˥˩ ɕjɛn˥ də/ |
| Hindi | पूर्वजों का (Purvajon ka) | /ˈpʊːrvədʒoːn ka/ |
| Arabic | أجدادي (Ajdadi) | /ʔædˈdaːdi/ |
| Russian | Предковый (Predkovy) | /ˈprʲɛdkəvɨj/ |
| Japanese | 先祖の (Senso no) | /seɴzoː no/ |
| Korean | 조상의 (Josang-ui) | /dʑoːsaŋ-ɯi/ |
| Portuguese | Ancestral | /ãseˈstɾaɫ/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
While the pronunciation of "ancestral" is fairly consistent across most English dialects, regional accents may affect the vowel sounds, such as in British English where the second syllable may sound more clipped.
Historical Usage
The concept of "ancestral" has deep roots in cultures that place significant importance on lineage and family heritage. The term has been used since the late Middle Ages to describe traditions, land, and customs passed down through generations.
Cultural Nuances
In many cultures, being "ancestral" implies not only a connection to past generations but also a responsibility to preserve cultural practices, values, and knowledge for future generations. In indigenous cultures, ancestral lands and rituals are often central to communal identity and social cohesion.
More Information
The term "ancestral" is used to describe anything related to one's ancestors or family heritage. This can include physical properties such as homes or lands, as well as intangible elements like customs, language, and traditions. In many societies, the reverence for the "ancestral" is a crucial part of maintaining continuity and cultural identity, and practices related to ancestral worship or respect are still prevalent today. The importance of maintaining ancestral connections is often reflected in ceremonies, genealogical research, and storytelling that link present-day individuals to their forebears.