kindred
C1-C2Formal and literary
Definition
Meaning
A group of people who share a common ancestry or blood relation.
People who share similar characteristics, interests, or qualities; a feeling of similarity or connection with someone or something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Kindred" functions primarily as a noun referring to one's relatives or those with shared traits. As an adjective, it describes a similar nature or connection. It often carries an elevated, somewhat archaic tone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in UK literary contexts, but rare in everyday speech in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes a sense of deep, often familial or spiritual, connection. Can sound poetic or old-fashioned.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary spoken language; primarily found in formal writing, historical contexts, or religious discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] kindred to [sb/sth][find] [sb] a kindred spirit[feel] a kindred feeling [towards sb]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A kindred spirit”
- “To find one's kindred”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Used in anthropology, sociology, and literary studies to discuss familial or social bonds.
Everyday
Rare. Mostly in the fixed phrase 'kindred spirit' to describe a close friend with similar views.
Technical
Used in genealogy and some religious texts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- She felt a kindred warmth towards the stranger who loved the same obscure poetry.
- Their kindred interests in medieval history made them fast friends.
American English
- He discovered a kindred passion for jazz in his new colleague.
- They shared a kindred sense of humor that bridged their age gap.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- They were kindred spirits, both loving quiet evenings with a book.
- He sought out his kindred after moving to the new city.
- The novel explores the protagonist's search for her kindred in a foreign land.
- A sense of kindred obligation compelled him to help his distant cousin.
- Philosophers often feel a kindred connection with thinkers from centuries past.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'KIN' (family) + 'dred' (like 'dread' but positive) → your 'kin' you don't 'dread' because you're connected.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIMILARITY IS KINSHIP (e.g., 'We are kindred souls' = our similarity is like being family).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с "родственный" только в смысле "похожий" (kindred spirit). В основном значении "родня" — это "kin" или "relatives".
- "Kindred" как существительное — собирательное, не имеет множественного числа с 's' (kindreds — ошибка).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'kindreds' as a plural noun.
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'family' or 'friends' would be natural.
- Misspelling as 'kindered'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'kindred' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'kindred' is not used as a verb in modern English. It is primarily a noun and an adjective.
'Kin' is more common and neutral, referring simply to family. 'Kindred' is more formal, literary, and can extend to metaphorical 'family' based on shared qualities.
It is a well-established, somewhat literary phrase. It can sound clichéd if used in casual, non-reflective contexts, but remains powerful in appropriate formal or expressive writing.
As a collective noun, 'kindred' typically does not take a plural 's'. To specify multiple groups, one might say 'different kindred' or rephrase.