First cousin meaning

A first cousin is a relative who shares a grandparent in common with you.


First cousin definitions

Word backwards tsrif nisuoc
Part of speech noun
Syllabic division first cousin Syllable separation: first / cous-in
Plural The plural of the word "first cousin" is "first cousins".
Total letters 11
Vogais (3) i,o,u
Consonants (6) f,r,s,t,c,n

A first cousin is the child of one's aunt or uncle. This means that your first cousin is also the child of one of your parents' siblings.

First cousins share a set of grandparents, either maternal or paternal, depending on which parent is the sibling of your cousin's parent. Growing up, first cousins often have a special bond because they are close in age and may have shared experiences within the extended family.

Relationship Dynamics

In many cultures, first cousins are considered to be like siblings and are treated with the same familiarity and affection. They can be close friends, confidants, and sources of support throughout life.

Genetic Connection

From a genetic standpoint, first cousins share about 12.5% of their DNA. This level of genetic similarity is higher than second cousins but lower than siblings. While this may increase the risk of certain inherited conditions, the overall risk is still relatively low.

Cultural Norms

In some cultures, marriage between first cousins is acceptable and even encouraged. However, in many Western societies, there is a social taboo against this practice due to concerns about potential genetic risks for offspring.

Overall, first cousins play a unique role in the extended family structure and can have a lasting impact on one another's lives. Whether they grow up as close companions or more distant relatives, the first cousin relationship is an integral part of many people's family dynamics.


First cousin Examples

  1. My first cousin Mary is coming to visit next week.
  2. He's my first cousin once removed, so we're not as close.
  3. I grew up with my first cousin Sarah, and we're like sisters.
  4. My first cousin Alex is the same age as me.
  5. I don't see my first cousin John very often, but we get along well.
  6. My first cousin on my dad's side lives in another state.
  7. She's my first cousin through marriage, but we're still family.
  8. My first cousin once removed is much younger than me.
  9. My first cousin Mark is a talented musician.
  10. I have a lot of fond memories of playing with my first cousin as a child.


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  • Updated 19/04/2024 - 15:36:15