agnate

American  

[ag-neyt] / ˈæg neɪt /

noun

1. a relative whose connection is traceable exclusively through males.

2. any male relation on the father's side.

---

adjective

1. related or akin through males or on the father's side.

2. allied or akin.

agnate British  

/ ˈæɡneɪt, æɡˈnætɪk /

adjective

1. related by descent from a common male ancestor

2. related in any way; cognate

---

noun

1. a male or female descendant by male links from a common male ancestor

Other Word Forms

• agnation
  noun
• agnatic
  adjective
• agnatical
  adjective
• agnatically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of agnate

First recorded in 1450–1500; from Latin agnātus “paternal kinsman,” variant of ad(g)nātus “born to” (past participle of adgnāscī ), equivalent to ad- ad- + -gnā “be born” + -tus past participle suffix

Explanation

An agnate is a relative on your father's side of the family. Your father's parents are your agnate grandparents. Agnate refers to relatives connected to you directly through your father, such as your father's parents or his siblings. The term comes from the Latin word agnatus, which means "born from the same father." Historically, agnate relationships were significant in determining inheritance and family roles. Today, understanding who your agnate relatives are can help you learn more about your family's history and how different branches of your family tree connect.

Example Sentences

For later times also the examples are numerous of the power of agnates to give in marriage.

From Babylonian and Assyrian Laws, Contracts and Letters by Johns, C. H. W. (Claude Hermann Walter)

He announced every fresh birth to the agnates on a sheet of the largest royal folio.

From Pictures of German Life in the XVth XVIth and XVIIth Centuries, Vol. II. by Freytag, Gustav

The legal proceedings with the agnates about the equality of birth, which still continued, and vexatious quarrels with neighbours, gave him but a gloomy satisfaction.

From Pictures of German Life in the XVth XVIth and XVIIth Centuries, Vol. II. by Freytag, Gustav

It will take a long course of time for the ocean to resume its wonted state; the occasion will be furnished by the agnates of the great king Bhagiratha.'

From The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 Books 1, 2 and 3 by Ganguli, Kisari Mohan

Marriage is not allowed within the clan and in the course of a few generations the marriage of persons related through males or agnates is prohibited within a very wide circle.

From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India—Volume I (of IV) by Russell, R. V. (Robert Vane)