Consanguinity is an old-fashioned term distinguishing relatives by blood from relatives by affinity. Consanguinity refers to the blood relationship between people from some common ancestor; thus, sharing the blood of some common ancestor. Affinity, on the other hand, refers to the relationship between people as a consequence of marriage. Consanguinity has particular importance in marriage statutes.
For example:
- New Hampshire prohibits certain marriages that have a degree of consanguinity.
- North Dakota has a similar statute.
- Georgia explicitly prohibits marriages that have degrees of both consanguinity and affinity.
[Last updated in June of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]