kinship

Everyday

1. Kinship is being related to someone by family: being part of the same family by birth or marriage. tree →
2. A feeling of being close to someone because you share something, like interests or troubles. tree →

In the lessons

In history, geography and social studies: kinship groups, clans and extended families. In stories: «she felt a kinship with the lonely boy». In law: kinship care is when a child is looked after by a grandparent or other relative.

Examples

• Kinship was very important in the old Scottish clans. tree →
• Ella felt a kinship with the other new pupils. tree →
• The two tribes were joined by kinship and marriage. tree →
• Gran looks after my cousin; it's called kinship care. tree →
• There is a special kinship between twins. tree →
• Sharing a hobby can create a strong kinship. tree →

Note

Uncountable. From «kin» (family): «next of kin» means your closest relative. Old-fashioned: «kith and kin» means friends and family.

In Jewish tradition

In Jacob's blessing of Simeon and Levi, it means the brotherly bond they share, now turned to violence.

Interpretation. Jacob does not want to be linked to their cruelty at Shechem, and the rabbis read this as a lesson that family ties do not excuse wrongdoing.

Examples

• Simeon and Levi are brethren; weapons of violence their kinship. (Torah GEN.49.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Uncountable. From «kin» (family): «next of kin» means your closest relative. Old-fashioned: «kith and kin» means friends and family.