# kinship

/ˈkɪnˌʃɪp/ (US) · /kˈɪnʃɪp/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kinship
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a feeling of being close to others because you share the same family, history, or interests. It is the deep connection you feel with people who are like you.

For teachers: the state of being related by blood or marriage; by extension, a sharing of characteristics or origins that creates a sense of belonging.

## Examples

- She felt a strong sense of kinship with her fellow travelers.
- The two neighboring tribes maintained their kinship through shared rituals and frequent intermarriage over several centuries.
- Beyond mere biological ties, the concept of kinship encompasses the complex web of social obligations and emotional bonds that define a community's internal structure.

## Usage notes

- Often follows the verbs 'feel' or 'sense' and is frequently paired with the preposition 'with'.

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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.