Genealogist Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˌdʒɪnɪˈɑːlədʒɪst/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person who studies genealogy, the scientific study of family history, ancestry, and heritage. They use historical records, documents, and other sources to construct family trees and study relationships between individuals and groups.

Examples

• The genealogist spent years researching her family’s history.
• He hired a professional genealogist to help him build his family tree.

Synonyms

• Family Historian
• Ancestry Researcher

Antonyms

• Historian
• Biographer

Additional Information

Genealogists use a variety of sources to conduct their research, including historical records, documents, and sometimes even DNA testing. They may work with individuals, families, or organizations to help them understand and connect with their heritage. Genealogists may also specialize in specific areas, such as tracing the origins of immigrant groups or studying the history of specific surnames.

Genealogy is a fascinating field that combines history, sociology, and science to help people understand their place in the world. Many genealogists are amateurs, driven by a passion for their family history and a desire to learn more about their ancestors.

Professional genealogists, on the other hand, often have specialized training and may work in a variety of settings, including archives, libraries, and private companies. They may also teach courses or write books on genealogy and family history.

Eymology

The word “genealogist” comes from the Greek words “genos” (meaning “family” or “kin”) and “logos” (meaning “study” or “science”). It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe someone who studies family history and ancestry.

Usage Notes

When using the word “genealogist,” it is often helpful to specify what type of genealogy they practice (e.g. professional vs. amateur) and what area of specialization they focus on (e.g. historical record analysis or DNA research).

Cultural References

Genealogists have been featured in popular culture in a variety of contexts, from the TV show “Who Do You Think You Are?” to the movie “The Da Vinci Code.” The field of genealogy has also been the subject of several recent bestsellers, including “The Lost Ancestor” and “Genealogy Roadshow.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idioms or phrases that include the word “genealogist” include “dig up their roots” (to research one’s ancestry) and “connect the dots” (to identify relationships between different family members).

Related Words or Phrases

• Family Tree
• Ancestry
• Heritage
• Lineage

Collocations

• Genealogist research
• Family history study
• Ancestry investigation
• Genealogy investigation

Frequency of Use

The word “genealogist” is used relatively infrequently in modern language, with a frequency of use that is roughly equivalent to other specialized professions like “librarian” or “curator.”

Common Misspellings

• Genoligist
• Genealogist (without the ‘i’)
• Genologist