Parent Meaning and Definition
Parent
Pronunciation
/ˈpærənt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A person or entity that gives origin to and nourishes the growth of something else, typically a child or a younger person.
Examples
- Sarah and Michael are proud parents of three children.
- The parents of the bride and groom were beaming with pride.
- The new parent was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of childcare.
- The parent-teacher association organized a charity event to support local schools.
- The parents’ love and care helped their child heal from the illness.
Synonyms
- Guardian
- Caregiver
Etymology
The word “parent” comes from the Old French word “parent”, which is derived from the Latin word “pars”, meaning “origin” or “source”.
Usage Notes
The term “parent” is often used generically to refer to either a mother or a father, but it may also be used in specific contexts to refer to one or the other.
Cultural References
There are numerous references to parents in popular culture, such as in literature, film, and music.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “To be a good parent” means to be attentive and caring to one’s child.
- “To parent someone” means to guide or teach them.
Related Words or Phrases
- Family
- Childhood
Collocations
- Parent-teacher association
- New parent
- Single parent
- Co-parent
Frequency of Use
The term “parent” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in contexts related to childcare and family relationships.
Common Misspellings
- Parenat
- Parenet