adjective
Uncommon
familial
fuh-MIHL-yuhl
Familial (adjective) means relating to a family, or passed down within one. Example: “The disease has a strong familial pattern, running through three generations.”
adjective
1
Relating to a family, or passed down within one.
"The disease has a strong familial pattern, running through three generations."
"They shared a familial bond even though they weren't related by blood."
How to use familial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with family — often used for traits or conditions that run in a family.
Common mistake
Mostly used in slightly formal or medical contexts ("familial risk of heart disease") rather than everyday chat, where "family" as an adjective works fine.
Common pairings
familial ties
familial risk
familial resemblance
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The disease has a strong _____ pattern, running through three generations.
Etymology
From French familial, ultimately from Latin familia ("household, family") — the same root that gives us "family" itself.
Related words
Rhymes for familial
See all rhymes for familial →Frequently asked questions
What does “familial” mean?
The word “familial” means relating to a family, or passed down within one. In plain terms, to do with family — often used for traits or conditions that run in a family.
How do you pronounce “familial”?
“Familial” is pronounced fuh-MIHL-yuhl (/fəˈmɪljəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “familial” in a sentence?
Here is “familial” used in a sentence: “The disease has a strong familial pattern, running through three generations.”
What part of speech is “familial”?
“Familial” is an adjective.
Where does the word “familial” come from?
The word “familial” comes from Latin. From French familial, ultimately from Latin familia ("household, family") — the same root that gives us "family" itself.
Is “familial” a common word?
“Familial” is an uncommon word in modern English.
