Degrees of Family Relationships: Consanguinity and Affinity

Vocabulary terms covering degrees of immediate family members and relatives through consanguinity and affinity.

Consanguinity

Relationship by blood, categorized into degrees radiating outward from the individual (including parents, children, siblings, grandparents, and cousins).

Affinity

Relationship by marriage, categorized into degrees radiating outward from the individual through their spouse (including spouse and in-law relations).

1st Degree Consanguinity

Blood relations that include Parent and Child.

2nd Degree Consanguinity

Blood relations that include Grandparent, Brother/Sister, and Grandchild.

3rd Degree Consanguinity

Blood relations that include Great Grandparent, Aunt/Uncle, Niece/Nephew, and Great Grandchild.

4th Degree Consanguinity

Blood relations that include Great Great Grandparent, Great Aunt/Uncle, First Cousin, and Grand Nephew/Niece.

1st Degree Affinity

Marriage relations consisting of the Spouse.

2nd Degree Affinity

Marriage relations that include Parent-in-Law and Daughter/Son-in-Law.

3rd Degree Affinity

Marriage relations that include Grandparent-in-Law, Brother/Sister-in-Law, and Grandchild-in-Law.

4th Degree Affinity

Marriage relations that include Great Grandparent-in-Law, Aunt/Uncle-in-Law, First Cousin-in-Law, Niece/Nephew-in-Law, and Great Grandchild-in-Law.

Step Relationships

Relationships such as step-brother or step-father that are considered to be the same as blood relationships.