Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
agnate
Adjective
/ˈæɡ.neɪt/
Definition
A person who is related to another through a male ancestor, or a relationship based on paternal lineage.
Examples
- In some cultures, property is inherited by agnate relatives.
- He traced his family tree back to his agnate ancestors.
Meaning
The term ‘agnate’ refers to a relative connected through the father’s side of the family, indicating kinship by bloodline rather than through marriage or adoption.
Synonyms
- Male relative
- Paternal relation
- Patrilineal kin