Definition

The background or origin of a person, especially regarding their family and ancestors.

Example

She was proud of her diverse parentage and the cultures it represented.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about your parentage?

Not really, but it's interesting to consider where we come from.

Yeah, I wonder how much our parentage shapes who we are.

It probably plays a bigger role than we realize!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Parentage → It is formed from "parent" (from Latin "parens", meaning father or mother) and "-age" (a suffix indicating a state or condition). The word "parentage" refers to the state or condition of being a parent or the lineage of one's parents.

Memory Tip

Think of 'parent' as referring to a father or mother, and '-age' indicating a state. This helps you remember that 'parentage' means the state of being related to one's parents.

Visually Confused Words