French word

filiation

Pronunciation

IPA/filjasjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounparentage

Example

La filiation de l'enfant est prouvée par son acte de naissance.

The child's parentage is proven by their birth certificate.

Illustration for filiation (parentage)

More examples

Je cherche la filiation de ma grand-mère.

I'm tracing my grandmother's lineage.

Core concept

A documented line connecting a child to a parent through birth, recognition, or adoption.

Similar words

parenté: A family relationship created by blood ties or marriage.
paternité: The legal or factual status of being a father.
maternité: The legal or factual status of being a mother.
adoption: The legal process of recognizing a non-biological child as one's own.

Definition in French

Relation de parenté, biologique ou légale, qui lie un enfant à une personne et se constate par l'état civil, la reconnaissance ou l'adoption.

Word origin

French filiation is a learned borrowing from Latin filiatio, formed from filius, meaning "son" or "child".

Usage tips

  • Filiation is a formal, often legal term; everyday French more often names the people involved with fils, fille, or enfant.

Other meanings

  • lineagenoun

Word lists with this word