How Do You Spell FIRST-COUSIN?

Pronunciation: [fˈɜːstkˈʌzən] (IPA)

The correct spelling for the family relation of "first cousin" is two separate words, not hyphenated. Phonetically, it is pronounced /fɜːst ˈkʌzn/. The "f" at the beginning of "first" is pronounced with the lower lip touching the upper teeth, while the "k" sound in "cousin" is made at the back of the throat. The stress in pronunciation is on the first syllable of "cousin". Remembering the correct spelling and pronunciation of "first cousin" is important in accurately communicating familial relationships.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Plural
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FIRST-COUSIN Meaning and Definition

  1. A first-cousin is a term used to describe the relationship between two individuals who share a common set of grandparents. This familial connection is established as a result of one's parent being a sibling to the other's parent. In simpler terms, a first-cousin is the child of one's aunt or uncle.

    This form of kinship is denoted by a relatively close degree of blood relation, as individuals who are first-cousins typically share approximately one-eighth of their DNA. As a result, although not as closely related as siblings, first-cousins still share a significant genetic connection.

    First-cousins can be further categorized into two types: first-cousins once removed and first-cousins twice removed. The once removed designation indicates a generational difference, meaning that one individual is a first-cousin of the other's parent or grandparent. Meanwhile, the twice removed label signifies a two-generational gap, indicating that one individual is a first-cousin of the other's great-grandparent or great-great-grandparent.

    The relationship between first-cousins can vary greatly, influenced by factors such as cultural norms, family dynamics, and personal circumstances. While some first-cousins may develop a close bond and maintain regular contact throughout their lives, others may have more distant or sporadic connections.

Common Misspellings for FIRST-COUSIN

  • first0cousin
  • firstpcousin
  • firstcousin
  • firstmcousin

Etymology of FIRST-COUSIN

The term "first cousin" comes from the combination of two words: "first" and "cousin".

The word "first" originated from the Old English word "fyrst", ultimately deriving from the Proto-Germanic word *furisto, meaning "foremost" or "earliest". Over time, "first" came to represent the concept of being the initial or primary in a series.

The word "cousin" traces its roots back to the Latin word "consobrinus", which was used to refer to a cousin. "Consobrinus" itself was formed by combining the prefix "com-" (meaning "together" or "with") and "soror" (meaning "sister"). Therefore, "consobrinus" initially meant "cousin-german", which denoted a cousin who shared both paternal and maternal ancestry.

Plural form of FIRST-COUSIN is FIRST-COUSINS