ancestors
Translation
ancestors, forebears
Examples
My ancestors came from Ireland.
My ancestors came from Ireland.
We honor our ancestors during the festival.
We honour our ancestors during the festival.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.'s)) ancestors someone's ancestors My ancestors were farmers.
Similar Words
Synonyms: forebears, forefathers; Antonyms: descendants
Etymology
From Old French 'ancestre', from Latin 'antecessor' (one who goes before). 'ante-' (before) + 'cedere' (to go).
Memory Tips
Think 'ante-' meaning 'before'. The people who came 'before' you in your family line.