You share an ancestor with that person. But to understand the intricacies of the cousin relationship, you must understand that your ancestors are only the people in your direct line! This is parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc.
Just about every other blood relative who isn't your sibling is your cousin. To determine your degree of cousinhood, first, second, third, and fourth, you need to identify the ancestor you share with your cousin and how many generations separate each of you from that ancestor.
First Cousins - A first cousin is the child of your aunt or uncle. They are sometimes called a full cousin. The most recent ancestor you and your first cousin will share is your grandparents.
Second Cousins - A second cousin is the child of your parents' first cousins. Looking at your family tree, you will see you and your second cousins share the same great-grandparents.
Third Cousins - A third cousin shares great-great-grandparents with you.
Fourth Cousins - A fourth cousin shares great-great-great grandparents with you.
Continue adding "great" to each grandparent as you work your way back on your family.
Now, what is a second cousin once removed or twice removed? All cousins share a common ancestor. Your degree of cousinhood depends on how many generations back the common ancestor is.
The process of determining the cousin relations has been called "collateral degree calculation "by anthropologists. Follow the instructions on the chart below for further assistance in determining if you are a second cousin once or twice removed!
This chart was downloaded from Family Tree Magazine. You can download this chart for free at https://familytreemagazine.com/freebie/free-cousin-relationship-chart/
