family background
Family history
Use `family background` to respectfully describe the history and environment that shaped who you are today.
En 15 secondes
- The social and economic history of your relatives.
- Used to explain your values and where you started.
- Common in professional bios and deep personal chats.
Signification
Your family background is the story of where you come from. It includes your family's history, their social status, their jobs, and the traditions they passed down to you.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6In a job interview
My family background in small business taught me the value of hard work.
My family background in small business taught me the value of hard work.
Talking to a new partner
We have very different family backgrounds, but we share the same goals.
We have very different family backgrounds, but we share the same goals.
Writing a college essay
Coming from a diverse family background has shaped my perspective on global issues.
Coming from a diverse family background has shaped my perspective on global issues.
Contexte culturel
The phrase gained popularity as social sciences grew in the 20th century to describe how environment affects success. In Western cultures, talking about a 'diverse family background' is currently seen as a major strength in workplaces and schools. It reflects the value placed on individual journeys and overcoming challenges.
Adjective Power
Pair it with adjectives like 'academic', 'artistic', or 'rural' to instantly give people a clear picture of your life.
Don't be too clinical
In very close friendships, using 'family background' might sound a bit like a sociology report. Use 'my family' instead for more warmth.
En 15 secondes
- The social and economic history of your relatives.
- Used to explain your values and where you started.
- Common in professional bios and deep personal chats.
What It Means
Family background is a broad term. It covers your ancestors and your parents' lives. It includes their education, wealth, and cultural roots. Think of it as the 'soil' you grew up in. It explains why you have certain values today. It is more than just a family tree. It is about the environment that shaped you.
How To Use It
You use it to give context about your life. You can say you have a modest family background. This means your family wasn't rich. Or you might have a musical family background. This means your parents probably played instruments. It usually functions as a noun phrase. You can place adjectives before it to be specific. Just don't use it to describe what you ate for breakfast!
When To Use It
Use it during job interviews or university applications. It helps people understand your journey. It is also great for deep conversations with friends. Use it when explaining your traditions or habits. 'In my family background, we value hard work.' It sounds thoughtful and reflective. It is perfect for when you want to sound a bit more serious.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it in very casual, fast-paced chats. Don't say it while ordering a pizza. 'Because of my family background, I like pepperoni.' That sounds a bit too dramatic! Also, don't use it to gossip about someone's secrets. It is a respectful term, not a tool for drama. Keep it for meaningful life stories.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, this phrase is often used for 'social mobility' stories. People love hearing about someone from a humble family background succeeding. It is a key part of the 'American Dream' narrative. In the UK, it might subtly refer to social class. However, it is generally a polite way to discuss origins. It focuses on the influence of the home rather than just DNA.
Common Variations
You might hear family history or upbringing. Upbringing focuses more on how you were raised as a child. Family history often refers to genealogy or medical records. Ancestry is about your relatives from hundreds of years ago. Family background is the perfect middle ground. It feels modern and professional yet personal.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral and very versatile. It works well in both professional resumes and heart-to-heart conversations. Be careful not to use it as a synonym for 'race'—it is much broader than that.
Adjective Power
Pair it with adjectives like 'academic', 'artistic', or 'rural' to instantly give people a clear picture of your life.
Don't be too clinical
In very close friendships, using 'family background' might sound a bit like a sociology report. Use 'my family' instead for more warmth.
The 'Humble' Secret
In English, calling your own background 'humble' is a sign of modesty and is highly respected in interviews.
Exemples
6My family background in small business taught me the value of hard work.
My family background in small business taught me the value of hard work.
Shows how your past provides skills for the job.
We have very different family backgrounds, but we share the same goals.
We have very different family backgrounds, but we share the same goals.
Used to discuss differences in upbringing or culture.
Coming from a diverse family background has shaped my perspective on global issues.
Coming from a diverse family background has shaped my perspective on global issues.
A classic way to introduce personal diversity.
I guess my obsession with cleaning comes from my military family background!
I guess my obsession with cleaning comes from my military family background!
Explaining a personal quirk through family history.
With my family background, it's a miracle I can't cook a single meal.
With my family background, it's a miracle I can't cook a single meal.
Using the phrase to highlight a funny irony.
She achieved so much despite her difficult family background.
She achieved so much despite her difficult family background.
Used to show admiration for overcoming obstacles.
Teste-toi
Choose the best adjective to complete the sentence about someone who grew up with very little money.
He came from a ___ family background, but he eventually became a CEO.
The word `humble` is the standard, polite way to describe a family background that wasn't rich.
Identify the correct preposition to use with the phrase.
My interest ___ art is rooted in my family background.
We say 'interest in' something, and here it is being linked to the `family background`.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Family Background'
Using 'my folks' or 'where I'm from'.
My folks were farmers.
Standard use of 'family background'.
I have a teaching family background.
Using 'socio-economic origins'.
The candidate's socio-economic origins are diverse.
When to mention your Family Background
Job Interview
Explaining your work ethic.
First Date
Sharing your childhood stories.
Biographies
Writing about a famous person.
Therapy
Understanding your behavior.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot exactly. A family tree is just a list of names and dates, while family background includes social, economic, and cultural details.
Yes, it is very appropriate for formal contexts like cover letters or applications. For example, My family background has prepared me for this role.
It depends on how close you are. It is better to let them volunteer the information first to avoid being nosy.
It means the person's parents or relatives were likely teachers, professors, or highly educated people.
Yes, you use the plural when comparing two or more people. For example, They come from very different family backgrounds.
It is not rude, but it can sound a bit boastful. It is often better to use terms like privileged or comfortable in professional settings.
Upbringing is specifically about how you were raised as a child, while family background includes your history even before you were born.
Usually, we use family medical history for health. Family background is more about your social and cultural life.
This is an older, less common term for a family where the parents are divorced. It is better to say a family of divorce now.
It mostly refers to parents and grandparents, but it can include the general environment of your extended family too.
Expressions liées
Upbringing
The way a child is raised by their parents.
Roots
The place or culture where a person or family comes from.
Socio-economic status
The combined measure of a family's income and social position.
Ancestry
One's ethnic origin or the line of people from whom one is descended.
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