1. relating to or connected by marriage rather than blood
Usage: anthropology; formal

Examples

• The anthropologist studied both consanguineous and affinal kinship ties in the community.
• Affinal relationships often create complex social obligations between families.
• In many cultures, affinal bonds are considered as important as blood relationships.
• The researcher mapped the affinal connections between different clans.
• Affinal relatives include in-laws and other marriage-related family members.
• Traditional societies often have specific rules governing affinal relationships.