Parentage Meaning
/pˈɛrəntədʒ/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe identity and nature of one's parents, and in particular, the legitimacy of one's birth.
nounThe social quality of one's class in society.
Sentence Examples
His parentage was unknown to us.
She is of American parentage.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her royal ____ was revealed when the old records were found.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The child's ____ was unknown, and the court ordered a DNA test to establish legal responsibility.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French, from Old French parentage.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"I am a Lord, for so my deedes ſhall prooue,
And yet a ſhepheard by my Parentage: […]"
— c. 1587–1588 (date written), [Christopher Marlowe], Tamburlaine the Great. […] The First Part […], 2nd edition, part 1, London: […] [R. Robinson for] Richard Iones, […], published 1592, →OCLC; reprinted as Tamburlaine the Great (A Scolar Press Facsimile), Menston, Yorkshire; London: Scolar Press, 1973, →ISBN, Act I, scene ii:
"English gentlemen, after all, do not discriminate against each other on the grounds of parentage, only of breeding."
— 1986, John le Carré, A Perfect Spy:
"My fortunes parentage — good parentage — To equal mine! — was it not thus? What say you?"
— c. 1607–1608 (date written), William Shakespeare, [George Wilkins?], The Late, and Much Admired Play, Called Pericles, Prince of Tyre. […], London: […] [William White and Thomas Creede] for Henry Gosson, […], published 1609, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i]:
"Mr. Worthington. Second son. We shall find better. He is of dubious parentage."
— 2020 December 25, Chris Van Dusen, “Diamond of the First Water”, in Bridgerton, season 1, episode 1, spoken by Anthony Bridgerton:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her royal ____ was revealed when the old records were found.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The child's ____ was unknown, and the court ordered a DNA test to establish legal responsibility.