father — a male parent
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a male parent
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈfɑːðər/
Example Sentences
- My father still thinks the internet is just a fad that will pass.
- He became a father at the age of 25.
- Father Christmas visits children on Christmas Eve.
father
NOUN[/ˈfɑːðər/]
a male parent
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Father derives from Old English 'fæder', an ancient word with cognates across Indo-European languages including German 'Vater' and Latin 'pater'. The word traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *pa-ter-, literally meaning 'the protector' or 'nourisher'.
Breakdown
The Old English 'fæder' evolved through sound changes in Middle English and Modern English, with the unstressed final vowel reducing from -er to -er, ultimately yielding 'father'. The root *pa-ter- comprises *pa- (protector/nourisher) + *-ter (agent suffix indicating one who performs an action).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My father still thinks the internet is just a fad that will pass.”
“He became a father at the age of 25.”
“Father Christmas visits children on Christmas Eve.”
“My father tried to assemble IKEA furniture and ended up with a very modern art piece.”
📚Related Words
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