kin
UK: kɪn | US: kɪn
n. one's family or relatives
n. a group of people related by blood or marriage
The word "kin" traces back to Old English cynn, meaning "family, race, or kind," derived from Proto-Germanic kunjam (family, clan). It shares roots with Old Norse kyn (family), Gothic kuni (race), and German Kind (child). The core idea revolves around shared ancestry or belonging. Over time, "kin" narrowed to specifically denote blood relations, retaining its simplicity and emotional weight in Modern English.
She invited all her kin to the family reunion.
In some cultures, kin are expected to support each other unconditionally.
He felt a strong bond with his kin despite living far away.
The tribe’s elders gathered to discuss matters affecting their kin.
DNA testing helped her connect with distant kin she never knew existed.