antepasado

ancestor

noun ahn-teh-pah-SAH-doh Rare

Usage Note

Antepasado literally means 'one who has passed before' and is the standard word for a (distant) ancestor. It is distinct from antecesor (predecessor in a role) and abuelo (grandparent). The plural antepasados is the usual form when speaking of one's ancestry collectively, much as English uses 'ancestors' or 'forebears'.

Examples

"Sus antepasados llegaron de Italia."

Natural Translation

His ancestors came from Italy.

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