kin
0 antonyms and opposites of kin, grouped by meaning.
Noun — One's relatives, considered together as a group.
How to use kin
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English cynn, "kind, sort, family," from a very old Germanic root also behind "kind" and, further back, related to Latin genus.
Full origin of kin →Frequently asked questions
What does “kin” mean?
The word “kin” means one's relatives, considered together as a group. In plain terms, your relatives or family, taken as a whole — used in slightly formal or old-fashioned contexts.
How do you pronounce “kin”?
“Kin” is pronounced kihn (/kɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “kin” in a sentence?
Here is “kin” used in a sentence: “She travelled home to spend the holidays with her kin.”
What part of speech is “kin”?
Depending on how it is used, “kin” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “kin” come from?
The word “kin” comes from Latin. From Old English cynn, "kind, sort, family," from a very old Germanic root also behind "kind" and, further back, related to Latin genus.
Is “kin” a common word?
“Kin” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “kin” have?
“Kin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: one's relatives, considered together as a group.
What is the difference between "kin" and "family"?
"Kin" specifically refers to one's relatives considered as a group, while "family" is a broader, more everyday word that can also include a household or immediate family unit regardless of blood ties. "Kin" tends to sound more formal or literary.
Is "kin" singular or plural?
"Kin" is a collective noun referring to relatives as a group, and it does not change form for singular or plural — you would say "my kin are visiting," using a plural verb, even though the word itself has no separate plural spelling.
Can "kin" be used as an adjective?
Yes, "kin" can function as an adjective meaning related by blood or marriage, as in "kin relations" or describing two people as "kin to each other."
Is "kin" a formal or old-fashioned word?
"Kin" carries a slightly formal or old-fashioned tone compared to everyday words like "relatives" or "family," and it often appears in legal, literary, or genealogical contexts.