What does filial mean Meaning and Definition
What does filial mean
Pronunciation
/ˈfaɪliəl/
Part of Speech
Adjective or Noun
Definition
1. Relating to or characteristic of a child or offspring. 2. Showing dutiful respect or obedience to one’s parents or family.
Etymology
The word ‘filial’ comes from the Latin ‘filius’, meaning ‘son’, and is derived from the Old French ‘filial’, meaning ‘of or pertaining to a son or daughter’.
Usage Notes
The adjective ‘filial’ is often used to describe a person’s behavior towards their parents or family, such as being ‘filial’ towards one’s parents. It can also be used to describe a child’s relationship with their parents, such as ‘a filial child’.
Cultural References
The word ‘filial’ has been used in various cultural references, such as in literature and poetry. For example, in William Shakespeare’s play ‘Hamlet’, the character Polonius refers to his son Laertes as ‘a filial child’.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- ‘Filial piety’ refers to the respect and obedience due to one’s parents.
- ‘A filial duty’ refers to a responsibility or obligation towards one’s family.
Related Words or Phrases
- Parenthood
- Parental
- Familial
Collocations
The word ‘filial’ often collocates with words such as ‘respect’, ‘obedience’, ‘duty’, and ‘responsibility’.
Frequency of Use
The word ‘filial’ is relatively rare in modern language, and is often used in formal or literary contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Feerly
- Felia