parallel cousin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowAcademic/Technical
Quick answer
What does “parallel cousin” mean?
A cousin who is the child of one's father's brother or one's mother's sister. The parent of a parallel cousin is the same-sex sibling of one's own parent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cousin who is the child of one's father's brother or one's mother's sister. The parent of a parallel cousin is the same-sex sibling of one's own parent.
In social anthropology and kinship studies, the term is used to distinguish from a cross-cousin (child of a parent's opposite-sex sibling). The relationship carries specific structural implications in kinship systems, often determining marriage rules, inheritance, and social obligations in many cultures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between UK and US English. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Solely academic/technical; no emotional or cultural connotations beyond its anthropological definition.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage in both regions. Its frequency is confined to specific academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “parallel cousin” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/classifies X as a parallel cousin.The term 'parallel cousin' refers to...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parallel cousin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The parallel-cousin marriage rule is common in some societies.
American English
- Parallel-cousin relationships are structurally distinct.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Primary context. Used in anthropology to describe kinship structures and marriage patterns.
Everyday
Virtually never used. People simply say 'cousin' without this distinction.
Technical
Essential term in kinship analysis, genealogical studies, and social structure research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parallel cousin”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parallel cousin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parallel cousin”
- Using it in everyday conversation.
- Assuming 'parallel' refers to age similarity rather than parent's sibling sex.
- Confusing it with 'first cousin' (which is a broader category).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a parallel cousin is a type of first cousin, but the term specifies that the parental link is through same-sex siblings (brother-brother or sister-sister).
No. It is a technical term from anthropology. In everyday life, people simply say 'cousin'.
The opposite is a 'cross-cousin'—the child of one's father's sister or one's mother's brother.
In many cultures, this distinction governs social rules, especially regarding who one can or should marry, and defines different sets of rights and obligations.
A cousin who is the child of one's father's brother or one's mother's sister. The parent of a parallel cousin is the same-sex sibling of one's own parent.
Parallel cousin is usually academic/technical in register.
Parallel cousin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpærəlel ˈkʌzn̩/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpærəˌlɛl ˈkʌzn̩/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'parallel lines' running in the same direction. Your parent and their same-sex sibling are 'parallel' (both brothers or both sisters). Their children are your 'parallel cousins'.
Conceptual Metaphor
KINSHIP IS A STRUCTURED SYSTEM / SOCIAL RELATIONS ARE A MAP WITH PATTERNS.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'parallel cousin' primarily used?