clan

/klan/
nounIntermediate
general

a group of people united by kinship, common ancestry, or shared interests

Los clanes escoceses tienen una larga historia de rivalidad.

Scottish clans have a long history of rivalry.

💡

Often used to describe family groups, especially in historical or cultural contexts.

Collocations

clan familiarfamily clanclan tribaltribal clanclan mafiosomafia clan

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

ser del clanphrase
to be part of the group
clan mafiosophrase
mafia family

💡Pro Tip

Cultural Context

In Spanish-speaking countries, 'clan' is often used to describe tight-knit family groups, especially in rural or traditional communities.

Gold Rule

Usage

Avoid using 'clan' to describe large, impersonal groups; it implies a strong sense of belonging and shared identity.

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'clan', possibly from Gaelic 'clann' meaning 'children' or 'family'.

📝Usage Notes

In Spanish, 'clan' can refer to both family-based groups and informal groups of friends or colleagues with shared interests.

Word Breakdown

clan
group
root
Diccionario Español-Inglés