Definition of kindred

The word "kindred" originated in Old English as "cyndreð," a compound of "cynd" meaning "kin" or "family" and "-reð" which denoted relationship or resemblance. The Old English word evolved into the Middle English "kynred" before being spelled as "kindred" in Early Modern English. In its ancient form, "cyndreð" was used to describe the close bonds and similarities shared by members of the same family or lineage. Citations of "cyndreð" can be found in the many surviving works of Anglo-Saxon literature, such as Beowulf and The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. The word "kin" also has Old English roots, but it was used less frequently than "cyndreð." As the English language evolved, "kindred" came to encompass a broader range of relationships beyond strict ties of blood or ancestry, including individuals who are not necessarily related by family but are still considered part of the same social or cultural community. Overall, "kindred" continues to imply a sense of closeness, connection, and shared heritage that goes beyond mere blood relations. Its evolution from Old English has been a testament to the enduring value and significance of kinship and the bonds that form between people.