ancestry

UK: ˈæn.ses.tri | US: ˈæn.ses.tri

Definition
  1. n. lineage or familial descent; the origin or background of a person, group, or idea

  2. n. a series of ancestors or predecessors

Structure
ancest <forebear>ry <noun suffix denoting collective or condition>
Etymology

The word ancestry evolved from the Old French ancestre, rooted in Latin antecessor (from ante- "before" + cedere "to go"). Over time, the suffix -ry was added to denote the collective concept of lineage. The term reflects the idea of tracing backward through generations, preserving the original Latin logic of "those who came before."

Examples
  1. Her ancestry includes both Irish and Japanese heritage.

  2. The DNA test revealed surprising details about his ancestry.

  3. The museum exhibit explores the ancestry of modern technology.

  4. Tracing one’s ancestry can uncover fascinating family stories.

  5. The book documents the ancestry of European royal families.