immediate family
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
A person's closest blood relatives: parents, children, siblings, and spouse or partner.
In certain legal, business, or administrative contexts, this term can be defined more expansively to include grandparents, grandchildren, or in-laws. It is fundamentally the primary group for whom one has direct responsibility or emotional attachment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a compound noun used as a singular collective. It implies legal, financial, and emotional proximity. Contrasts with "extended family."
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The legal definition in the US can sometimes be broader in specific regulations (e.g., FMLA includes parents-in-law). In UK immigration law, it has a very specific, often narrower, definition.
Connotations
Slightly more formal and administrative in British English; common in both varieties for official forms and discussions of bereavement leave, visas, or benefits.
Frequency
Used with similar frequency in both dialects, with high usage in legal, HR, and governmental contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Only [immediate family] are permitted.The benefit is for [immediate family] members.He notified his [immediate family].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Flesh and blood (can be broader)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in HR policies for leave (bereavement, parental). "The policy grants five days' leave for the death of an immediate family member."
Academic
Used in sociology, anthropology, and legal studies to define kinship structures. "The study examined caregiving roles within the immediate family."
Everyday
Used to explain who is visiting or involved in a personal event. "The wedding will be small, just immediate family."
Technical
A defined term in law (immigration, inheritance), insurance policies, and medical consent forms.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The form asked for my immediate-family details.
American English
- She listed her immediate-family contacts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My immediate family is my mum, dad, and sister.
- On the holiday, we visited our immediate family and our cousins.
- The company's bereavement leave policy applies only to immediate family members.
- The immigration rules strictly define immediate family as spouses and dependent children under 18.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a family photo with just parents and children in the **immediate** frame—no aunts, uncles, or cousins in the picture.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAMILY IS A CIRCLE (with immediate family as the innermost circle).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as "близкая семья" which is ambiguous. Use "ближайшие родственники" (closest relatives).
- Do not confuse with "семья" alone, which can mean both nuclear and extended family.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a plural count noun (e.g., 'my immediate families'). It is singular collective.
- Including cousins or close friends under this term in formal contexts.
- Confusing it with 'next of kin,' which is a single person.
Practice
Quiz
In a typical HR context, which of the following is usually considered 'immediate family'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, no. The core definition is parents, siblings, spouse, and children. However, some legal or company policies may expand the definition to include grandparents or in-laws, so always check the specific context.
Generally not in formal legal or administrative contexts unless specified by a particular policy. A spouse is included, but a fiancé(e) usually is not until marriage.
'Immediate family' is a group (parents, spouse, children). 'Next of kin' is a singular legal term for your closest living blood relative or spouse, who must be contacted in an emergency.
Yes, but it sounds slightly formal. In casual talk, people might say "just my close family" or "my parents and siblings." It is perfectly natural, however, when discussing plans or official matters.