akin
Akin (adj) means Similar in nature, quality, or character; comparable. Example: “His stubbornness is akin to his father's.”
How to use akin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSimilar to something else, or related to it by family — almost always used with "to."
Word forms
more akin comparative, akinned past tense, Akins plural, akins singular, most akin superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
His stubbornness is _____ to his father's.
Etymology
A fusion of the phrase "of kin," meaning "related by family," which gradually contracted into the single word "akin."
Related words
Rhymes for akin
See all rhymes for akin →Frequently asked questions
What does “akin” mean?
The word “akin” means similar in nature, quality, or character; comparable. In plain terms, similar to something else, or related to it by family — almost always used with "to.".
How do you pronounce “akin”?
“Akin” is pronounced uh-KIHN (/ʌˈkɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “akin” in a sentence?
Here is “akin” used in a sentence: “His stubbornness is akin to his father's.”
What is another word for “akin”?
Words with a similar meaning to “akin” include cognate, connate and kindred.
What part of speech is “akin”?
“Akin” is an adjective.
Is “akin” a common word?
“Akin” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “akin” have?
“Akin” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: similar in nature, quality, or character; comparable.
What is the difference between "akin" and "similar"?
"Akin" and "similar" are close synonyms, but "akin" carries a slightly more formal, literary tone and is almost always followed by "to," as in "akin to a nightmare." "Similar" is more neutral and flexible in everyday speech.
Do you say "akin to" or "akin with"?
"Akin to" is the correct and standard construction. "Akin with" is not idiomatic English; the word is always paired with the preposition "to."
Can "akin" describe family relationships, not just similarity?
Yes, beyond describing things that are similar in nature or quality, "akin" can also describe people related by blood or descent, echoing its root sense of "kin."