In the Russian language there are words that, so to speak, gather dust on the shelves. That is, they are, but are rarely used. Probably because not everyone knows them. Such underestimated words include the noun "ancestors." This word is about to go into the category of archaisms, because it is not often found in modern speech. This article will discuss the interpretation of the word "ancestors", its origin and synonyms.
Interpretation and etymology
Not everyone is familiar with the meaning of the word “ancestors”. The time has come to fill the knowledge gap. Efremova’s explanatory dictionary states that “ancestors” have two lexical meanings:
- ancestor or distant ancestor;
- what laid the foundation for something (was the first version of something). This is a figurative meaning.
Professor O.E. Olshansky indicates that the word "ancestors" is formed from the prefix "-pra-" and the root "-shchur-". It is assumed that the noun is associated with the words "brother-in-law" and "stitching".
Ancestor is a masculine noun. The emphasis falls on the first syllable, the vowel "a". The plural form is ancestors.
Synonyms for the word
Ancestor is a book word. It is practically not used in the colloquial style of speech. It can be replaced with several synonyms:
- Ancestor. My ancestors would be proud of me.
- Forefather. I know who my forefather is.
- Ancestor. In the museum you can see the progenitor of a modern computer.
- The ancestor. Do you know the ancestor of Russian writing?
Examples of use
The best way to remember the interpretation of the word ancestors is to make a few sentences:
- It is important to know your ancestors.
- Ancestors of the people were engaged in hunting and gathering.
- The blood of my ancestors flows in my veins.
- Do you know the ancestral of modern radio?
- Chopped is an ax ancestor.
The word is used mainly in print media. In colloquial speech, it is most often replaced with suitable synonyms. Their choice depends on the context. Which word will be used depends on the person himself.