Father Definition Mother Definition 1

Father (noun) — a male parent who is responsible for the upbringing, care, or financial support of his children. Usually, fathers contribute by providing guidance, safety, and love to the whole family.

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/ˈfɑː.ðər/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Father”

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Tips for “father” pronunciation: 

The correct pronunciation is fa like in “far” then a voiced th like in “this” or “that” and the final ending er sound — FAH-thər.

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How to Use “Father” in a Sentence

Discover how the term “father” is used in English in a most elementary setting.

My father taught me how to ride a bicycle.
She asked her father for advice about the project.
His father works as a doctor in the city hospital.
The children wrote a card for their father on Father’s Day.
He looks up to his father as a role model.

What Are Synonyms for the Word “Father”?

Switching “father” with alternatives makes the language sound fresher and more authentic.

Related nouns: dad papa parent

Synonyms (contextual): dad daddy

Common collocations: loving father strict father caring father biological father

“Father” Word Formation and Description in Context

Another way to define a “father” is by understanding how it combines with other words to describe various roles, responsibilities, and actions.

With adjectives: loving father strict father caring father proud father

With verbs: support a father respect a father talk to a father call a father

With nouns (noun + noun): father figure fatherhood father’s advice father’s day

Idioms and Interesting Phrases with “Father”

Many expressions involving the “father” concern the initiation or strong influence on something.

  • Father figure — a man who gives guidance and care, like a father.

    Johnny’s coach became a father figure to him.

  • Like father, like son — children often behave like their fathers.

    David loves football, just like his dad — like father, like son.
Father Idioma Father Idioma 1

  • Founding father — a man who helped start a country, group, or idea.

    George Washington is a founding father of the United States.

  • Father of something — the person who started or created something.

    Sir William Osler is called the father of modern medicine.

Test Your Knowledge of “Father” Meaning

Test yourself using this quick quiz and see if you’ve really grasped the definition of the “father.”

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the correct answer:
1
A mother is one of the parents.
2
A father cannot care for children.
3
A person can have only one father figure in life.
Type 2: Right word order:
Put these mixed-up words in order:
1
father
his
proud
was
He
of
2
with
father
her
travels
She
3
father
My
story
told
a
me
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Select the one closest in meaning:
1
She talked to her father. Who is her father?
2
He is a caring father. What does it mean?
3
Father figure means:

Enjoy personalized learning!

“Father” Word in Other Languages

Different languages use different forms for the same important role — father.

Language Word for “Father”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Padre
Flag French French   Père
Flag German German   Vater

Did You Know It? Fun Facts About “Father”

The presence and contribution of fathers are vital in the family unit and throughout different cultures worldwide.

  • Father’s Day is celebrated in many countries, but on different dates.

    Still, it is regarded as a day to appreciate fathers for all the love and support they have given.

  • “Father” is a term that has its roots in ancient languages.

    Diverse forms emerge in most Indo-European languages suggesting how old the concept is.

  • Role of a father has developed over time.

    In the past, fathers in many societies were the ones to impart knowledge to their children by teaching them various skills such as agriculture, arts, and trades. In modern times, fathers have become partners in both work and home matters.

Famous Quotes Featuring “Father” in English

Read this collection of famous quotes that portray a father’s love, respect, and influence.

“Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.”

— Anne Geddes

Explanation: Being a real dad has to do with caring and loving, not just mere blood relation.

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person: he believed in me.”

— Jim Valvano

Explanation: It explains really well how it is astonishing for a father’s encouragement to change self-confidence and success.

“One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.”

— George Herbert

Explanation: This quote suggests that a father’s teaching and influence can be more powerful than formal schooling.