* Old English: The word originated from the Old English word "cynship," which itself is a combination of "cyn" (meaning "kind, race, or nation") and "-ship" (a suffix indicating "condition, state, or quality").
* Middle English: Over time, "cynship" evolved into "kinship" during the Middle English period.
* Modern English: Today, "kinship" retains its core meaning of "relationship by blood or marriage" but has expanded to include broader concepts of shared ancestry, community, and social ties.
Here's a breakdown of the etymology:
kinship
> Middle English *kinship*
> Old English *cynship*
> * *cyn* (kind, race, nation) + *-ship* (condition, state, or quality)
So, the word "kinship" ultimately derives from the idea of shared "kind" or "race," emphasizing the bond of common origin that connects people together.