Definition

Describing someone or something that is related by blood through the male line, or having a common ancestor.

Example

The agnate relatives gathered for the family reunion to celebrate their shared heritage.

Conversation

Did you know that we are agnate relatives through our grandfather?

Really? I had no idea we were related like that!

Yeah, it’s interesting how family connections work, especially on the father's side.

I should learn more about our family tree; it sounds fascinating!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A person who is related to someone through their father's side of the family, or a relative whose family connection comes only from male ancestors.

Example

In the family tree, he discovered that his agnate was a distant cousin he had never met.

Conversation

Did you know that an agnate is a relative traced through the male line?

Really? I always thought it just meant any kind of relative.

Nah, it's more specific than that; it refers to paternal connections.

Root Explanation

Agnate → It is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "gnatus" (meaning born). The word refers to a person who is related by blood through a common ancestor, emphasizing the connection of being born into the same family line.

Memory Tip

Think of 'born into' ('gnatus') a family when you hear 'agnate' — it helps you remember that an agnate is someone related by blood.

Visually Confused Words