Family
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- Written by IELTS Mentor
Vocabulary for IELTS:
"Family" is a widely discussed topic in the IELTS Speaking and Writing sections. You may be asked to describe your family, talk about family responsibilities, or discuss generational differences. A strong grasp of both basic and advanced family-related vocabulary will help you express your thoughts clearly and impressively. The following list contains some important vocabulary items with meanings and contextual examples, categorised by varying levels of difficulty for IELTS candidates. Hopefully, you will find them useful.
1. Nuclear family: [Meaning: A family consisting of two parents and their children]
Example 1: I grew up in a nuclear family with just my parents and sister.
Example 2: The concept of the nuclear family has changed over the decades.
2. Extended family: [Meaning: A family that includes relatives beyond the immediate parents and children]
Example 1: My extended family gathers every year during festivals.
Example 2: In many cultures, the extended family plays a major role in child-rearing.
3. Sibling rivalry: [Meaning: Competition between brothers and sisters]
Example 1: Sibling rivalry can be intense during childhood but fades with age.
Example 2: Parents often struggle to handle sibling rivalry fairly.
4. Single-parent family: [Meaning: A family with only one parent raising children]
Example 1: Many single-parent families face economic and social challenges.
Example 2: She was raised in a single-parent family after her father passed away.
5. Generation gap: [Meaning: Differences in opinions or values between generations]
Example 1: The generation gap often leads to conflicts between teenagers and parents.
Example 2: Technology has widened the generation gap between the young and the old.
6. Upbringing: [Meaning: The way a child is raised]
Example 1: His strict upbringing shaped his disciplined nature.
Example 2: Cultural background plays a role in a child’s upbringing.
7. Family ties: [Meaning: Emotional connections between family members]
Example 1: Despite living abroad, she maintains strong family ties.
Example 2: Family ties are considered sacred in many Asian societies.
8. Kinship: [Meaning: Blood or social relationships within a family]
Example 1: Kinship systems influence inheritance and social roles in many cultures.
Example 2: Anthropologists often study kinship structures to understand community dynamics.
9. Familial obligation: [Meaning: A duty one feels towards family members]
Example 1: Many people delay personal goals due to familial obligations.
Example 2: Familial obligations can be culturally ingrained and emotionally demanding.
10. Parental authority: [Meaning: The power or right of parents to guide and control their children]
Example 1: Parental authority is often challenged by modern parenting styles.
Example 2: Legal systems in many countries support parental authority over minors.
11. Patriarchal structure: [Meaning: A social system where men hold primary power]
Example 1: Traditional patriarchal structures still influence many family decisions.
Example 2: The family struggled to redefine roles within a patriarchal structure.
12. Emotional dependency: [Meaning: Relying on others for emotional support or validation]
Example 1: Emotional dependency can hinder a person’s ability to make independent choices.
Example 2: Some children develop emotional dependency due to overprotective parenting.
13. Dysfunctional family: [Meaning: A family with unhealthy emotional or behavioural patterns]
Example 1: He grew up in a dysfunctional family with constant arguments and neglect.
Example 2: Many psychological issues stem from dysfunctional family dynamics.
14. Generational trauma: [Meaning: Psychological distress passed down from one generation to another]
Example 1: Generational trauma can affect family dynamics for decades.
Example 2: Healing from generational trauma often requires professional intervention.
15. Domestic cohesion: [Meaning: Unity and harmony within the household]
Example 1: Communication plays a key role in domestic cohesion.
Example 2: Financial stress can threaten domestic cohesion.
16. Affinal relationship: [Meaning: A kinship relation based on marriage]
Example 1: Her affinal relationships include her in-laws.
Example 2: In anthropology, affinal ties are considered as significant as blood relations.
17. Filial piety: [Meaning: Respect and care for one’s parents and ancestors]
Example 1: In Confucian philosophy, filial piety is a core value.
Example 2: Filial piety influences decisions regarding elder care in many cultures.
18. Role reversal: [Meaning: When traditional roles between family members are switched]
Example 1: After his father’s illness, a role reversal occurred where the son took charge.
Example 2: Role reversal can be emotionally challenging for both parties.
19. Child-rearing practices: [Meaning: Methods and strategies used in raising children]
Example 1: Modern child-rearing practices emphasize emotional intelligence and communication.
Example 2: Cross-cultural differences in child-rearing practices can lead to misunderstandings among immigrant families.
20. Parentification: [Meaning: A process where children take on adult responsibilities within the family]
Example 1: Parentification often occurs in families affected by illness or addiction.
Example 2: Psychologists argue that parentification can disrupt normal childhood development.
21. Cohabitation: [Meaning: Living together without being legally married]
Example 1: Cohabitation before marriage has become increasingly common in Western countries.
Example 2: Many young couples choose cohabitation as a trial before formal commitment.
22. Kinesthetic bonding: [Meaning: Emotional connection formed through physical activities or shared physical experiences]
Example 1: Family hikes and sports create strong kinesthetic bonding among members.
Example 2: Kinesthetic bonding is often overlooked in favour of verbal communication.
23. Familism: [Meaning: A cultural belief prioritising family welfare over individual interests]
Example 1: In Hispanic cultures, familism plays a significant role in decision-making.
Example 2: Strong familism values can influence career and lifestyle choices.
24. Transgenerational parenting: [Meaning: The influence of parenting styles and beliefs passed down from one generation to the next]
Example 1: Transgenerational parenting often replicates both strengths and traumas.
Example 2: Researchers explore transgenerational parenting to understand behavioural inheritance.
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