Usage Note
Ancestral describes something inherited from or relating to one's ancestors: terres ancestrales (ancestral lands), coutumes ancestrales (age-old customs). The masculine plural is ancestraux. The related noun is ancêtre (ancestor). The word has a solemn, heritage-laden tone in French.
Examples
"Ils ont conservé leurs traditions ancestrales."
Natural Translation
They preserved their ancestral traditions.
Related Words
Explore French by topic