Word
subfamily
Phoneticssub·fam·i·ly, stress on the first syllable
/ˈsəbˌfæməɫi/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a smaller group inside a larger family, often used in biology to group closely related animals or plants.
n. a taxonomic rank between family and genus, grouping closely related genera; more generally, any subdivision of a family.
Examples
“The lion belongs to a subfamily that includes many big cats.”
“In biology class we learn that bears and pandas belong to different subfamilies within the same larger family.”
“Taxonomists placed the red panda in its own subfamily to reflect its distinct evolution from other members of the broader raccoon family.”
Examples
simple
“The lion belongs to a subfamily that includes many big cats.”
contextual
“In biology class we learn that bears and pandas belong to different subfamilies within the same larger family.”
complex
“Taxonomists placed the red panda in its own subfamily to reflect its distinct evolution from other members of the broader raccoon family.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “subfamily” in context.
Verb
01. assign to subfamily
“The newly discovered fossil was assigned to the horse subfamily.”
verb + prep + noun
02. belong to subfamily
“Lions and tigers both belong to the same subfamily of big cats.”
verb + prep + noun
03. define subfamily
“Scientists used DNA sequencing to define the subfamily more precisely.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. distinct subfamily
“Genetic analysis showed they form a distinct subfamily within the cat family.”
adj + noun
05. diverse subfamily
“Orchids include a highly diverse subfamily found across tropical regions.”
adj + noun
06. large subfamily
“Bamboo forms a large subfamily of grasses with over 1,400 species.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. classification of subfamily
“DNA studies forced a revision of the classification of this plant subfamily.”
noun + prep + noun
08. genus within subfamily
“Each genus within the subfamily shares a similar flower structure.”
noun + prep + noun
09. member of subfamily
“The giant panda is the most famous member of this bear subfamily.”
noun + prep + noun
10. belong to the same subfamily
“Wolves and domestic dogs belong to the same subfamily.”
11. divide the family into subfamilies
“Botanists divide the grass family into several distinct subfamilies.”
12. member of the rose subfamily
“The apple tree is a member of the rose subfamily.”
Real-World Examples
“Schroeder studies the evolution of this particular subfamily of plant bugs using both traditional taxonomy and genomic data.” “Although they were working with only partial fossils, they were able to identify them to specific ant subfamilies that still exist today.” Etymology
From sub- + family.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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