Family
/ˈfæm.ə.li/noun
A group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption; or a closely connected group of things or people.
Did you know?The English word family comes through Latin familia, which originally meant the entire household under one authority, including servants and property—not just relatives.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰeh₁-mo-
“A setting, placing, or establishment.”
Latin
Latin
famulus
“A servant or household attendant.”
Latin
Latin
familia
“The household, including all members, servants, and dependents under one roof.”
Old French
Old French
famille
“Household or family group.”
Middle English
English
famelie
“Household, domestic servants, or relatives.”
Modern English
English
family
“A group of related people or a household unit.”