# familia

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/familia
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

a group of people who are related to each other, such as a family. In old legal terms, it refers to the people who live in the same house and share the same food.

For teachers: a group of people related by blood or marriage; in legal contexts, the household or family unit. Often used in historical or legal terminology to describe the collective members of a household.

## Examples

- The familia lived together in a large house.
- In many ancient legal systems, the head of the familia held significant power over all other members of the household.
- The concept of familia in Roman law was central to the social hierarchy, as it determined the legal status and responsibilities of every individual within the household.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.