Ancestors

As a Noun (Plural of Ancestor)

1. People from whom one is directly descended, such as grandparents or great-grandparents.
2. Early generations of a family or lineage, often referring to those who lived long ago.
3. Predecessors in a particular cultural, national, or evolutionary lineage.

Word History

The word ancestor comes from the Latin antecessor, meaning “one who goes before,” derived from ante (before) and cedere (to go). It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to past generations.

Examples

1. She traced her ancestors back to the 1700s.
2. Our ancestors built this village centuries ago.
3. Scientists study human ancestors to understand evolution.

Synonyms

Forefathers, predecessors, forebears, progenitors, lineage

Related Words

Heritage, descent, genealogy, ancestry

Antonyms

Descendants, successors, heirs, offspring