[IELTS Vocabulary] Family and relationships

This vocabulary list is for reference only. Your Lexical Resource scores are calculated based on the overall level of vocabulary used in your writing and speaking answers. To improve your Lexical Resource scores, it is necessary that you improve your overall level of vocabulary.

However, skillfully incorporating these words in your writing and speaking answers together with a good vocabulary level will increase the chance of enhanced Lexical Recourse scores.

Vocabulary list

1. Changing Family Structures

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Blended family	Noun phrase	Family consisting of stepparents and children from previous relationships	Many blended families navigate unique dynamics and relationships.
Dual-income household	Noun phrase	A family unit consisting of parents and their children	Dual-income households have become increasingly common.
Nuclear family	Noun phrase	Family unit consisting of parents and their children	The nuclear family has traditionally been the norm in many societies.
Single-parent household	Noun phrase	A household with one parent responsible for caregiving	Single-parent households face unique challenges and strengths.

2. Balancing Work and Family Life

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Flextime	Noun	Flexible work schedule allowing employees to choose their hours	Flextime arrangements can help employees balance work and family commitments.
Parental leave	Noun phrase	Time off from work granted to new parents	Many countries offer parental leave to support work-life balance.
Quality time	Noun phrase	Time spent with family or loved ones	Spending quality time with family strengthens relationships.
Telecommuting	Noun	Working from a remote location	Telecommuting offers flexibility in balancing work and family life.

3. Role of Extended Family

Word/Phrase	Type	Meaning	Example
Caregiving	Noun	Providing care and support to family members	Caregiving responsibilities may extend to members of the extended family.
Intergenerational	Adjective	Involving multiple generations	Intergenerational relationships are important in extended families.
Support network	Noun phrase	System of individuals providing assistance and encouragement	Extended families often serve as a support network in times of need.
Multigenerational household	Noun phrase	A household comprising members of different generations	Multigenerational households foster close family ties and support.

Idioms for speaking

These are idioms and phrases that use topic-related figures of speech. They can also be used in different contexts.

Idiom	Definition	Example
Blood is thicker than water	Family ties are stronger than other relationships.	“Even though we argue sometimes, I know that blood is thicker than water, and my family will always support me.”
Break the ice	To initiate conversation or social interaction in a situation.	“Playing a game together helped break the ice at the family reunion.”
Chip off the old block	A person who resembles one of their parents in character or behavior.	“My son is a chip off the old block; he’s just as stubborn as his father.”
Close-knit family	A family with strong emotional bonds and close relationships.	“Growing up in a close-knit family taught me the value of love and support.”
Family tree	A diagram showing the relationships between members of a family.	“We created a family tree to trace our ancestry back several generations.”
Home away from home	A place, other than one’s home, where one feels comfortable and welcome.	“My best friend’s house feels like a home away from home; I’m always welcome there.”
Like father, like son	A son who resembles his father in behavior or character traits.	“He’s passionate about music, just like his father; like father, like son.”
Love at first sight	Falling in love immediately upon meeting someone for the first time.	“When they met at the party, it was love at first sight.”
Quality time	Time spent with loved ones, focused on meaningful interaction.	“We cherish our weekly family dinners as quality time to catch up and bond.”
Skeletons in the closet	Family secrets or embarrassing past experiences.	“Every family has skeletons in the closet; some stories are better left untold.”
Tie the knot	To get married; to formalize a romantic relationship.	“After dating for years, they decided it was time to tie the knot.”
Wear the pants in the family	To be the dominant or authoritative figure in a family or relationship.	“Although she’s the quieter one, she definitely wears the pants in the family.”
Birds of a feather flock together	People who are similar in character or interests tend to associate with each other.	“They say birds of a feather flock together, which is why they have such a strong bond.”
Generation gap	Differences in opinions, values, and attitudes between different generations.	“There’s often a generation gap between parents and children due to cultural differences.”
Love is blind	Love overlooks flaws or imperfections in the loved one.	“Despite his faults, she loves him deeply; they say love is blind.”
Meet one’s match	To encounter someone who is equal in skill or ability.	“In their debates, she met her match with her equally argumentative cousin.”
Rolling in the deep	Being deeply involved or committed to something, often emotionally.	“After years of marriage, they’re still rolling in the deep; their love is stronger than ever.”
Start a family	To begin having children and raising a family.	“They got married last year and are already talking about starting a family.”
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree	Children often inherit characteristics or traits from their parents.	“He’s a talented musician, just like his father; the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Ties that bind	Strong emotional connections or bonds within a family or relationship.	“Despite living far apart, the ties that bind our family remain strong.”