Agnate Meaning in English
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Definition
An agnate is a person who is related to you through a male ancestor, usually on your father's side of the family.
Usage & Nuances
"Agnate" is a formal, old-fashioned, and primarily legal or genealogical term, often contrasted with "cognate" (related through either parent). It's rarely used in daily conversation, mostly found in legal documents or historical discussions of inheritance or family lineage.
Example Sentences
Your uncle on your father's side is your agnate.
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Only an agnate could inherit the family title in some old traditions.
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A family tree can show all the agnates in a lineage.
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Historically, being an agnate often meant access to property and privileges.
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The term agnate isn’t used much these days, except in genealogy or legal contexts.
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If you’re tracing your agnate line, you’ll focus only on males from your father’s side.
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