Babysat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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babysat
[ˈbeɪbiˌsæt ]
Definition
child care
The term 'babysat' refers to the act of taking care of a child or children while their parents are away. This can involve supervising the child's activities, ensuring their safety, and providing comfort and support. Babysitting can be done on a formal basis, such as a paid service, or informally by family members or friends. It often includes playing with the child, preparing meals, and putting them to bed. The role requires patience, responsibility, and a good understanding of child behavior.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I babysat for my neighbor last weekend.
- She babysat her younger siblings every Friday.
- He was hired to babysit during the parents' night out.
Translations
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Origin of 'babysat'
The word 'babysit' is a compound of 'baby' and 'sit', originating in the early 20th century. The word 'baby' comes from the Middle English 'babie', which is a term of endearment for an infant. On the other hand, 'sit' comes from the Old English 'sittan', meaning to remain in one place. The combination of these terms reflects the act of sitting with or watching over a young child. The concept of babysitting gained prominence in the mid-1900s as more families began to seek help in child-rearing due to the increasing number of working parents. It evolved from informal arrangements among friends and family to a more structured service with babysitting agencies. Today, babysitting is a recognized part of child care and often involves responsibilities that ensure children's safety and well-being while their parents are away.