daughters of the american revolution
C1Formal, Institutional
Definition
Meaning
A lineage-based membership organization for women who are directly descended from a person who contributed to achieving American independence during the American Revolutionary War.
A patriotic, non-profit, and non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism. It is often associated with genealogical research and community service projects.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always capitalized as a proper noun. Refers specifically to the organization (DAR), not a general description. Can be used metonymically to refer to its members, values, or activities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is specific to the United States and its history. In British contexts, it is understood as a foreign organization but has no direct equivalent. References in UK media are rare and typically explanatory.
Connotations
In the US: Can carry connotations of patriotism, heritage, elitism, historical privilege, and traditionalism. In the UK/elsewhere: Primarily seen as a specific American historical society.
Frequency
High frequency in specific US contexts (genealogy, history, philanthropy); extremely low to nonexistent in general British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[The/Our local] Daughters of the American Revolution [verb: restored, fund, maintain] + [object: building, scholarship, museum].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, genealogical, and American studies contexts. e.g., 'Her research on local women's groups included the Daughters of the American Revolution.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation unless discussing genealogy, community events, or specific historic sites. e.g., 'My grandmother was very active in the Daughters of the American Revolution.'
Technical
Used specifically in genealogy and historiography to denote a verifiable lineage and membership status.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The Daughters of the American Revolution archives are extensive.
- A Daughters of the American Revolution-sponsored event.
American English
- The DAR headquarters is in Washington, D.C.
- She is working on her DAR application paperwork.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The Daughters of the American Revolution is a large organization in the USA.
- Her family history allowed her to join the Daughters of the American Revolution.
- After years of genealogical research, she successfully proved her lineage and was accepted into the Daughters of the American Revolution.
- The local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter organises regular clean-ups at the historic cemetery.
- Critics sometimes accuse the Daughters of the American Revolution of representing an exclusionary view of American identity, while proponents highlight its philanthropic and educational work.
- The Daughters of the American Revolution's Constitution Hall has hosted countless notable events since its construction.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DAR = Direct Ancestor Required. Think of 'Daughters' as descendants, 'American Revolution' as the key historical event.
Conceptual Metaphor
HERITAGE IS A LINEAGE (a direct, unbroken thread from the past).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'daughters' literally as 'дочери'. It does not mean 'women who are daughters of...' in a current sense, but 'female descendants'. A descriptive translation like 'Общество женщин-потомков участников Войны за независимость США' is needed.
- Do not confuse with 'American Revolution' as a generic concept; it is the specific name of the organization.
Common Mistakes
- Using lower case ('daughters of the american revolution').
- Using it as a plural common noun (e.g., 'She is a daughter of the American Revolution' is incorrect; correct is 'She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution' or 'a DAR member').
- Confusing it with the 'Sons of the American Revolution' (SAR), which is the male counterpart.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary focus of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, membership is limited to women. The male counterpart organization is the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).
The DAR is officially non-political. Its charter focuses on historic preservation, education, and patriotic endeavor, and it does not endorse political candidates or parties.
No, but you must be a woman, at least 18 years old, and able to prove lineal descent from a Patriot of the American Revolution, regardless of your own nationality or country of birth.
For the DAR, a Patriot is any person who provided military, civil, or patriotic service during the American Revolution. This includes soldiers, sailors, civil officials, and those who provided material aid or signatures on certain documents.