pedigree
To say pedigree in French, in the sense of a person's ancestral history, use pedigree.
pedigree refers to the ancestry of a person or an animal. For horses, French often uses ascendance for pedigree.
Meaning: a person's ancestral history (noun)
Which one should you use?
Ascendance is a formal word for a line of ancestry. Généalogie refers to the study or record of one's ancestors and how they are related. Lignée stresses the direct line of descent.
Did you know?
- While pedigree refers to ancestry, the word is also used as a common noun in France to describe dog food, specifically the brand 'Pedigree'.
- While pedigree is used for animals, using it to describe a human's family history in French can sound quite clinical or even slightly dehumanizing, as if you are discussing livestock.
- Unlike in English, where 'pedigree' is often a general term for any distinguished background, in French it can specifically imply a certified document for a purebred animal.
Examples in context
- L'ascendance de ce chien de race est impressionnante.The pedigree of this purebred dog is impressive.
- Les membres de cette lignée royale ont une longue histoire de puissance et d'influence.The members of this royal pedigree have a long history of power and influence.
- Les chiens de souche locale sont mieux adaptés aux conditions climatiques de cette région.Dogs with local pedigree are better adapted to the climate conditions of this region.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are discussing a new colleague's background.
- LucasAs-tu vu le pedigree de notre nouveau collègue ?Have you seen our new colleague's pedigree?
- EmmaOui, il a travaillé dans toutes les grandes banques.Yes, he has worked at all the big banks.
- LucasC'est vraiment un parcours exceptionnel.It is truly an exceptional background.
- EmmaJe suis sûre qu'il réussira ici, Lucas.I am sure he will succeed here, Lucas.
