My son Lionel is filial.
Is “filial” used correctly, and should Lionel be set off with commas?
Thanks.
2 Likes
I admit I had to look the word up. I knew very generally that it had something to do with relationships, but didn’t know the exact meaning or usage. Even after looking it up, I still don’t have much confidence.
Having said that, I think it’s used incorrectly. Every source shows it as an adjective only.
As for the commas, they are optional but I think it’s better without them. They are unneeded and don’t really add anything useful.
2 Likes
I’m familiar with the word “filial”, but looked it up to see if I was missing something. It just means “like a son”. The text seems to say:
“His son Lionel is like a son.”
What?
I’ve usually heard “filial” used as an adjective describing a relationship and not a person.
“He had a filial relationship with his Uncle Bill.”
If I were writing this, instead of “filial”, I would probably use “father-son relationship”.
“He and his Uncle Bill had a father-son relationship.”
As to the commas, I believe @Anglophile addressed this a while back.
The use of commas depends on whether you are giving a name to the son or distinguishing one son from another.
- “His son Fred is a good student. His son Bill is not.
- “His son, [whose name is] Fred, is a good student.
[See, I have learned something!]
While this use of commas makes perfect sense to me, I think, much like NN, that for my example #2, people might or might not put them in.
2 Likes
Hello,
How have been lately? As you can see, I’m still alive and kicking. But be that as it may, the Chinese hold honour and loyalty in such high regard that I felt it was my duty to ask you.
I value hobour and loyalty a great, great deal, you know.
2 Likes
Looking at this again, I think that the intent might have been to say that
“My son Lionel is my biological son.” (As opposed to an adopted son.)
I’ve NEVER heard filial used this way, and I think it’s really stretching the definition, but this could have been the intent. If it were to catch on, it would be an efficient way of describing a relationship.
2 Likes
I’m doing well.
From the tone of your writing, you sound like you’re doing better as well.
2 Likes
Better than ever. It’s ever so lovely to talk to you again. 
1 Like
Arinker,
I agree. It’s a word that evokes a sense of duty and respect within family relationships.
It’s an old-warm-charm word, as I call it, but when interpreted wrongly, it might sound offensive, since a lot of people from all over the world have signed up for an account on this platform. Therefore, it’s always good to be aware of potential confusions so as to avoid certain misunderstandings.
1 Like