What Is an Intermediate Family?

An intermediate family is the second level of relatives beyond one's immediate family. Included among one's intermediate family are grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and half siblings. A person shares some family lineage and DNA with intermediate family members, but not to the same extent as with immediate family members.

An intermediate family is the next level up from one's immediate family. An immediate family member could be one's spouse, father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister. For many people, immediate family numbers are the ones with whom they share a home as well as a distinct genetic relation. An intermediate family member may also be called an extended family member.