akin
- 01 C1 Advanced
similar to something else or having a similar feeling.
essentially similar or related in character; sharing common properties or nature.
Simple“The two languages are closely akin to each other in their grammar.”
In context“The senator's views on economic reform are closely akin to those of the previous administration, suggesting a continuity of policy.”
UsageUsually follows the verb and is followed by the preposition 'to'.
Teacher's tipWhile dictionaries may list this as archaic, it remains common in formal writing and academic contexts to describe conceptual similarities.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
related to someone by family or blood.
related by blood or belonging to the same family line.
Simple“They were akin to the royal family through a distant cousin.”
In context“Genealogical research confirmed that the two families were akin, having descended from the same ancestor in the seventeenth century.”
UsagePredicative use only; it does not usually sit before the noun.
Teacher's tipIn modern English, 'related' is almost always preferred for family ties; 'akin' is reserved for a more poetic or old-fashioned tone.
“I’ve argued that this is more akin to ghostwriting , since the student isn’t copying from an original source.”
“The judge also declared Meta a "public nuisance" akin to a factory that was polluting the air people breathe, causing "harmful effects" that impacted an entire population.”