Immediate Family

The closest family unit of a person is termed as the Immediate Family which includes parents, siblings, spouse, and children. Relatives through marriage such as - father-in-law or mother-in-law can also be included here.  

Immediate family is also referred to as first-degree relatives. Generally, those who are part of one’s everyday life are considered as one’s immediate family. Though this can be shifted or expanded according to policies of some organizations or workplaces.

Immediate Family Members

Your immediate family includes the following members:

• Spouse
• Parents
• Grandparents
• Children (adopted, half and step-children are also included)
• Grandchildren
• Siblings
• In-laws

There are two major ways to determine immediate and other family members. They are:

1. Relation by blood: The lineage or parent is the same such as - siblings, children or grandchildren.
2. Relation by marriage: A common bond by the marriage of one member of each family such as - with in-laws or stepchildren.

Explaining immediate family is hard. Since it changes a lot depending on the organizations using this term and also the purpose it is being used for.

Use of this Term in a Sentence

• Immediate family members receive preferences while getting immigrant visas in most countries.
• Immediate family members are often entitled to health benefits if another member of the family receives them through work.