family
/ˈfɛm(ɘ)li/
The word evokes a primary sense of belonging, security, and kinship. It is most often associated with emotional bonds and unconditional support, though it can also imply obligation or inherited pressure. In a social context, the term has expanded from biological ties to include "chosen family," reflecting a modern shift toward emotional intimacy over genetic connection. When used as an adjective (e.g., "family-friendly"), it carries a connotation of safety, wholesomeness, and the absence of adult or explicit content. In scientific contexts, the tone shifts from emotional to analytical, describing structural similarities in biology without any implication of affection.
Countable when referring to a specific household unit ('We visited three different families on our street') or a biological category ('The feline family'). Uncountable when referring to the abstract concept of kinship and blood relations ('Family is everything to her').
💬Casual Conversation
I'm seriously losing it. I just want to be with my family.
Get a grip, Tom. I'm currently fighting for my life with this fuel leak.
Meanings
Examples
I just want my family to be happy, you know?
God, my family is driving me absolutely insane today!
Look, my family doesn't just accept people like you.
Is your family coming to the wedding this weekend?
Listen, you cannot treat my family like that ever again!
I grew up in a very small, quiet family.
Wait, is your entire family actually moving to France?
I can't believe my family still talks about that incident.
Collocations & Compounds
nuclear family
A couple with their dependent children living together.
extended family
A family group that includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives.
family tree
A diagram showing the relationship between people in several generations of a family.
family values
Moral standards and beliefs traditionally shared by a family unit.
family business
A company owned and operated by members of the same family.
Idioms & Sayings
family feud
A prolonged and bitter quarrel or dispute between members of the same family.
family tree
A diagram showing the relationship between people in several generations of a family.
family values
The moral standards and beliefs traditionally held to be important for the stability of a family unit.
run in the family
To be a common characteristic or trait shared by many members of a family.
family man
A man who is devoted to his wife and children.