Pronunciation

/ˈfɑːðər/

Definitions

• Noun: A man who has a child or children; the male parent. For example: “He was a loving and devoted father to his two daughters.”
• Noun (figurative): A founder, originator, or creator. For example: “Henry Ford is considered the father of the modern assembly line.”
• Noun (religious): God, especially when considered as the first person of the Christian Trinity. For example: “The Lord’s Prayer begins with ‘Our Father.’”
• Noun (honorific title): A respectful form of address for an older man, especially one in authority or with whom one has a spiritual relationship. For example: “Father, can you give us your guidance?”
• Verb: To beget or sire a child. For example: “He fathered three sons during his lifetime.”

Phrases

• “Father figure”: A man who serves as a guiding or protective influence in someone’s life, often in the absence of a biological father.
• “Like father, like son”: This phrase suggests that sons tend to resemble their fathers in behavior or character.
• “Father Time”: A metaphorical representation of time, often depicted as an old man carrying a scythe.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Her father taught her how to ride a bike.”
• Verb: “He will soon father his first child.”
• Noun (figurative): “The author is widely regarded as the father of science fiction.”
• Noun (religious): “In many churches, parishioners refer to their priest as ‘Father’.”

Synonyms

• Dad
• Daddy
• Papa
• Parent
• sire (in the context of being the male parent)
• progenitor (for the sense of ancestor or originator)