IPA: /ˈfɑːðər/
KK: /ˈfɑːðər/
To take on the role or responsibilities of a parent, especially a male parent.
He decided to father a child through adoption.
Past: fathered
Past Participle: fathered
A male parent or guardian who has a child or children, often responsible for their upbringing and care.
My father taught me how to ride a bike when I was young.
To take responsibility for a child or to create something new.
He decided to father a child with his partner.
Past: fathered
Past Participle: fathered
The word 'father' originates from Old English 'fæder', which comes from Proto-Germanic '*fader', meaning a male parent. This term is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Old High German 'fater' and Old Norse 'faðir', all referring to a male progenitor or parent.
Think of the Old English 'fæder' as a direct link to the concept of a male parent, helping you remember that 'father' means a male parent.