avkommorna

Avkommorna is a Swedish noun meaning the offspring or descendants of a person or group. It functions as the definite plural form of avkomma; the indefinite singular is avkomma, the definite singular avkomman, the indefinite plural avkommor, and the definite plural avkommorna. The term is common in genealogical, historical, and literary contexts to refer to the descendants, lineages, or progeny of an individual or family.

Etymology: The word derives from av- meaning “from” and komma meaning “to come,” literally indicating those who come from someone. It has been used in Swedish since at least the early modern period to signify lineage or progeny.

Usage: In contemporary Swedish, avkommorna appears most often in formal prose, genealogies, and sagas. In everyday speech, speakers may use avkommor or simply barn for children; avkommorna emphasizes a defined set of descendants. Examples: “Avkommorna till kungafamiljen var närvarande vid ceremonin.” “Sagorna beskriver avkommorna till gudarna och deras öden.”

See also: avkomma; ättling; släkt; härstamning.

References: Svenska Akademiens ordlista (SAOL) entry for avkomma.