great-grandchild
LowFormal, Genealogical
Definition
Meaning
The child of one's grandchild.
A descendant two generations younger than one's grandchild; a term in kinship terminology specifying a third-generation lineal descendant.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Used as a singular noun; the plural is 'great-grandchildren'. It is a compound noun. It always refers to a direct descendant, not a collateral relative.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions for compound nouns may sometimes vary, but 'great-grandchild' is standard in both.
Connotations
Neutral, familial connection in both variants.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, used primarily in family/genealogical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[possessive] + great-grandchildgreat-grandchild + [of + person]great-grandchild + [born + date]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in anthropology, sociology, and demography studies of kinship structures.
Everyday
Used in family conversations, announcements, and genealogical discussions.
Technical
Used in legal documents (wills, trusts) and formal genealogical records.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My grandmother has a new great-grandchild.
- She is a great-grandchild.
- When he turned ninety, he met his first great-grandchild.
- She has four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
- The family reunion included descendants ranging from her children to her youngest great-grandchild.
- In his will, he left a small bequest to each of his great-grandchildren.
- Genealogical research revealed that several of his great-grandchildren had emigrated to Australia in the late 19th century.
- The photograph, taken in 1950, shows her surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the family tree: 'child' -> 'grandchild' -> add 'great-' for one more step down: GREAT-GRANDchild.
Conceptual Metaphor
LINEAGE IS A LINE / TREE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'большой внук'. The correct translation is 'правнук' (male) or 'правнучка' (female). The English term is gender-neutral in singular form.
Common Mistakes
- Writing as 'great grandchild' (without hyphen).
- Using 'grand-grandchild'.
- Confusing with 'grandchild'.
Practice
Quiz
How is 'great-grandchild' most accurately defined?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The plural is 'great-grandchildren'.
Yes, the standard and correct form is hyphenated: 'great-grandchild'. Omitting the hyphen is considered a spelling error in formal writing.
Yes, 'great-grandchild' is gender-neutral. Specific terms are 'great-grandson' (male) and 'great-granddaughter' (female).
Each preceding generation adds another 'great-'. For example, your grandchild's grandchild is your 'great-great-grandchild'.