Agnate - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An agnate is a relative connected through male lineage, such as a father, brother, or son. It refers to kinship traced exclusively through the paternal side of a family.
Definition:
A male relative descended from the same male ancestor, typically through the paternal line.
Synonyms:
kinsman, relative, patrilineal descendant
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Antonyms:
cognate, enate
Common Collocations:
agnate succession, agnate lineage, agnate relatives
Derivatives:
agnatic, agnation
Usage Tips:
Use "agnate" to specify male-line relatives in legal or genealogical contexts for clarity.
Common Phrases:
agnate rights, agnate inheritance, agnate descent
Etymology:
From Latin "agnatus," meaning "born in addition," referring to paternal kinship ties.
Examples:
- 1. The estate passed to his nearest agnate after his death.
- 2. In some cultures, only agnates can inherit family property.
- 3. She traced her lineage through her father's agnates for the genealogy project.
- 4. The legal dispute involved distant agnates claiming ancestral land rights.