in-law
Kin through marriage
A relative by marriage rather than by blood.
Your in-laws are typically your spouse's parents and siblings, though the term extends to anyone connected through marriage: My in-laws are visiting for the holidays.
Specific relationships get compound forms: mother-in-law, brother-in-law, son-in-law.
The plural in-laws usually refers to a spouse's parents collectively.
Legal union of spouses
betrothal · engagement · dowry · bride · groom · matchmaking · arranged marriage · ceremony
Line marking a limit
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- meddlingIntrusive interference in others' concerns
- approvalFavorable opinion given
- acceptanceConsent to receive
expectation · tradition · obligation · loyalty · visiting · hosting · holiday · gathering
Fugitives from justice
- extended familyRelatives beyond parents, siblings
- blended familyHousehold with steprelations
Resistance between touching surfaces
- conflictOpposition between parties
- awkwardnessLack of grace or ease
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
- strainExcessive stretching force
boundary-crossing · criticism · disapproval · favoritism · comparison · passive-aggression · misunderstanding · cultural clash
Harmonious mutual connection
- relationshipConnection between entities
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- respectRegard with honor
- warmthHeat you feel
affection · trust · understanding · closeness · harmony · cooperation · inclusion · welcome
matrimony
Legal union of spouses
union · betrothal · engagement · dowry · bride · groom · matchmaking · arranged marriage · ceremony · vows
boundary
Line marking a limit
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- meddlingIntrusive interference in others' concerns
- approvalFavorable opinion given
acceptance · expectation · tradition · obligation · loyalty · visiting · hosting · holiday · gathering · cohabitation
outlaws
Fugitives from justice
- extended familyRelatives beyond parents, siblings
- blended familyHousehold with steprelations
friction
Resistance between touching surfaces
- conflictOpposition between parties
- awkwardnessLack of grace or ease
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
strain · boundary-crossing · criticism · disapproval · favoritism · comparison · passive-aggression · misunderstanding · cultural clash · generational gap
rapport
Harmonious mutual connection
- relationshipConnection between entities
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- respectRegard with honor
warmth · affection · trust · understanding · closeness · harmony · cooperation · inclusion · welcome · integration
- family termsparents, nuclear family, mothers, extended family, fathers
- relationshipsfriends, romantic, family, friend, flirting
- loved onesspouse, partner, mother, father, parents
- contactsfriend, family, contact list, neighbor, acquaintances
- household membersmom, mother, dad, father, son
- kinmother, father, son, daughter, brother
in-lawblood relative
Family by biological descent
blood relation · birth family · consanguine · blood kin · flesh and blood