Pronunciation

/ˈænsestər/

Definitions

Noun

• A noun in this context is a person’s forefather or a person who is part of one’s family line before them, typically going back many generations. Example: “My great-grandfather was my ancestor.”
• In genetics, it can also refer to a source from which genetic material has been inherited. Example: “The species’ ancestry can be traced back to a common ancestor.”

Verb

• As a verb, ‘ancestor’ is not commonly used as a standalone action but can be implied in the sense of having descended from a particular ancestor. Example: “We all trace our lineage back to the same ancient ancestor.”

Phrases

• “Descend from an ancestor” implies inheriting traits or characteristics from a previous family member.
• “Ancestor worship” refers to the veneration of one’s ancestors in certain cultures.
• “Our shared ancestor” signifies a common point in history or genealogy for two or more people.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Many indigenous communities still honor their ancestors during special ceremonies.”
• Implied verb: “The family tree traced their roots back to a common ancestor who settled in America in the 17th century.”

Synonyms

• Forebear
• Ancestor figure
• Progenitor
• Lineage
• Descent

Etymology

The word ‘ancestor’ comes from the Old French ‘ancestre’, which in turn is derived from the Latin ‘ancestris’, meaning “ancestral” or “belonging to the family.”