Definition

A group of related organisms or languages that is smaller than a family but larger than a genus or branch.

Example

The biologist studied the subfamily of plants that included several rare species.

Conversation

Did you know that some animals belong to a specific subfamily?

Really? I had no idea there were categories like that.

Yeah, it helps scientists understand relationships better.

That makes sense! It's interesting how they classify everything.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Subfamily → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under or below) and "family" (from Latin "familia", meaning household or family). The word "subfamily" refers to a group that is a subdivision of a larger family, indicating a classification that is below the main family level.

Memory Tip

Think of a group that is 'under' ('sub-') a larger family — that's what a subfamily is, a smaller division within a family.

Visually Confused Words