nephew - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
nephew Word Meanings
- the son of one's brother or sister
- a male relative in the next generation (your sibling's child)
- a young male relative in a family; sometimes used affectionately or humorously
nephew Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
nephew Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈnɛfjuː/
US
/ˈnɛfju/
nephew Word Etymology
(a) Root decomposition: no prefix; root from Latin nepos meaning 'grandson/descendant', via Old French neveu. (b) Historical origin: Latin nepos → Old French neveu → English nephew. (c) Memory image: picture a family tree with the root labeled ne-pos, showing a descendant stepping forward as the nephew; this image also hints at nepotism by showing a king favoring his nephew.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
A nephew is a male relative who is the son of your brother or sister, placing him in the next generation of your family. It’s the male counterpart to niece, who is female. You can say, for example, "My nephew is visiting this weekend" or "She has two nephews and a niece." The word is commonly used in everyday family talk and can carry affectionate or humorous tones. Etymology traces back to Latin nepos, via Old French neveu, and English kept that lineage sense in everyday use.
Usage Reminders
- Use nephew only for the son of your brother or sister.
- Niece is the female counterpart.
- It refers to the next generation, not your own child.
- Plural is nephews.
- Be careful not to mix with grandson or cousin in everyday speech.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking nephew includes all young male relatives (e. g., cousins).
- Confusing nephew with grandson or assuming gender is irrelevant.
- Believing nephew can refer to your spouse's nephews as 'your' nephews.
- Mixing up with niece or mislabeling female relatives as male.
- Spelling mistakes or forgetting the plural 'nephews'.
Thinking Differences
For English learners, nephew is a precise, gendered term that marks a specific blood relation and generation. Some languages bundle gender and kinship differently, so learners often pick a generic word or confuse nephew with cousin or grandson. Also, in some cultures the term carries emotional nuances or jokes that do not translate literally, which can make practice feel awkward.
Learning Tips
- Draw a simple family tree with labels for brother, sister, and their children.
- Pair nephew with niece to practice their gender contrast.
- Listen to dialogues about family gatherings and underline kinship terms.
- Use flashcards with photos to memorize who is who.
- Practice questions: 'Who is your nephew?' and 'How many nephews do you have?'
- Pronounce it /ˈnɛp. juː/ and compare with similar words like 'niece'.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'nephew'?
A.A type of fruit
B.A young boy
C.A person's brother's or sister's son
D.A type of animal
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is the word 'nephew' used correctly?
A.She adopted a puppy and named him Nephew.
B.My nephew loves to play soccer with his cousins.
C.Nephew is a delicious dessert made with chocolate and nuts.
D.I saw a nephew running around in the park.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is an antonym for 'nephew'?
A.Grandfather
B.Aunt
C.Niece
D.Mother
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what real-life context would you most likely refer to your nephew?
A.At a mechanic workshop
B.During a ballet recital
C.Family gathering or holiday celebration
D.Job interview
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a sentence using the word 'nephew'?
A.I prefer cats over nephews.
B.I went to the zoo with my nephew last weekend.
C.Nephew is a funny-sounding word.
D.Why is nephew spelled with a 'ph'?
Related Listening
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