clan

/klɑ̃/
nounIntermediate
informal

A group of people united by kinship, shared interests, or a common purpose, often with a strong sense of loyalty and solidarity.

Les clans familiaux contrôlent une grande partie de l'économie locale.

Family clans control a large part of the local economy.

Dans les jeux en ligne, les joueurs forment souvent des clans pour coopérer.

In online games, players often form clans to cooperate.

💡

The term can refer to both historical family groups and modern social or professional networks.

Collocations

clan familialfamily clanclan rivalrival clanchef de clanclan leader

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

faire partie d'un clanphrase
to be part of a clan
clan mafieuxphrase
mafia clan

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The word 'clan' can refer to both historical family groups and modern social networks, so pay attention to context.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overgeneralization

While 'clan' can describe any tight-knit group, it often carries connotations of exclusivity or tradition.

📖Word Origin

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

📝Usage Notes

In modern usage, 'clan' can refer to both traditional family structures and informal groups with shared interests, such as in gaming or business.

Word Breakdown

clan
group
root
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais