FATHER Definition and Meaning from Collins English Dictionary

Definition of "Father" in British English

  1. A male parent — the man responsible for the conception or raising of a child.
  2. A founding member or originator of a family line; an ancestor or forefather.
  3. Any man who performs a paternal or protective role.
  4. A respectful title used for a priest or clergyman in some Christian traditions.
  5. A person regarded as the creator or leading figure in a field or institution, for example, "the father of modern physics."

Related Terms

"He is regarded as the father of the family, always offering guidance and care."

Word Origin

The term "father" stems from Old English fæder, related to Old Norse faðir and German Vater, all tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root pəter-, meaning "protector" or "nourisher."


Author summary: This entry defines "father" as a male parent or founding figure, highlighting both familial and symbolic meanings in English usage.

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Collins Dictionary Collins Dictionary — 2025-11-26

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