Ancestors are the people from whom one is descended, and can refer to a variety of familial relationships. The term 'ascendants' (10 letters) refers to one's direct ancestors, such as parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. 'PROGENITORS' (11 letters) is a more general term for ancestors, including more distant relatives. 'FOREBEARS' (9 letters) is another term for ancestors, usually referring to those who lived in the distant past. 'SIRES' (5 letters) is an old-fashioned term for fathers, and can also be used to refer to male ancestors. 'ELDERS' (6 letters) is a term that can refer to both older relatives and ancestors. Finally, 'forbears' (8 letters) is another term for ancestors, usually referring to those who lived in the distant past.