Definition and meaning of English word "father"
father
/ˈfɑːðər/
Meaning
NounA male parent, especially of a human; a male who parents a child (which he has sired, adopted, fostered, taken as his own, etc.).
How to use
In English, the word 'father' is often used in formal and informal contexts to refer to a male parent. For example, 'My father is a doctor' or 'I love my dad.' However, it's worth noting that the word 'father' can also be used in a more abstract sense, as in 'the father of modern physics.' This nuance can be tricky for non-native speakers to grasp, as the word 'father' can imply a sense of authority or origin.
🇬🇧 English
father
Example
My father is very kind.
The father is very proud of his son.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- father and son— a father and his son
- father figure— a person who acts as a father to someone
- father to the bride— the father of the bride at a wedding
- father and mother— a father and his mother
- father of the nation— a person who is considered the founder of a nation
More People & Family words
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #110 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "father" mean?▼
The English word "father" means "father" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "father"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "father" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "father"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "My father is very kind." (which translates as "father").
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