Grandmother Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ต
grandmother
[หษกrรฆndหmสรฐษr ]
Definitions
family
The mother of one's father or mother.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| grandmother |
Formal situations or in written texts such as books or official documents.
|
| grandma |
Casual and affectionate conversations, often used by children or within families.
|
| nan |
Commonly used in British English, informal and affectionate, often used by children or within families.
|
| nana |
Casual and affectionate, used by children or within families, similar to 'nan' but more commonly used in some regions or cultures.
|
| granny |
Casual and affectionate, often used by children or in playful contexts, can sometimes have a slightly old-fashioned or playful tone.
|
Examples of usage
- My grandmother is the best cook in the family.
- I visit my grandmother every weekend.
respect
An elderly woman, especially one who is respected within her community.
Synonyms
elderly woman, matriarch, wise woman.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| grandmother |
Duplicate entry; same context and examples as above.
|
| elderly woman |
Used to describe an older woman in a respectful and more formal manner. Often used in public settings or when referring to someone not closely known.
|
| matriarch |
Used to describe a woman who is the head of a family or tribe, especially one who is highly respected. Often used in discussions about family hierarchy or history.
|
| wise woman |
Used to convey respect and admiration for an older woman's knowledge and experience. Often used in narratives, literature, or when speaking about mentors.
|
Examples of usage
- She is like a grandmother to all of us.
- The local grandmother shared her wisdom with the younger generation.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, grandmothers play a crucial role in passing down traditions, stories, and family history.
- Grandmothers are often seen as nurturers, providing support and wisdom to younger generations across various societies.
- Some cultures have specific terms for grandmothers, like 'abuelita' in Spanish or 'bubbe' in Yiddish, illustrating their unique roles.
Psychology
- Studies show that relationships with grandmothers can significantly influence a childโs emotional development and security.
- Having an involved grandmother can positively impact a childโs educational outcomes, helping with learning and homework.
- Grandmothers often provide a different perspective on parenting, allowing children to explore values and behaviors in a safe space.
Literature
- Grandmothers are prominent characters in folktales, often serving as wise guides, as seen in stories like 'Little Red Riding Hood'.
- In literature, the relationship between grandchildren and grandmothers is often explored, revealing deep emotional connections and lessons.
- Many authors draw on their experiences with grandmothers to create characters that embody wisdom, comfort, and storytelling.
Pop Culture
- Grandmothers are beloved figures in television and movies, often portrayed as wise and caring, like Grandma in 'The Incredibles'.
- Social media has created a trend of 'grandma influencers', showcasing modern grandmothers who share their lives, recipes, and fashion.
- The concept of 'Cool Grandparents' has become popular, highlighting adventurous grandmothers who defy stereotypes.
Origin of 'grandmother'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'grandmother' comes from the Old French 'grand-mรจre', where 'grand' means 'great' and 'mรจre' means 'mother'.
- In many languages, the prefix for 'grand' or 'great' is used to define a grandparent, showcasing the familial link.
- The term has been used in English since the late 14th century, reflecting the importance of extended family.
The word 'grandmother' originated from the combination of 'grand' and 'mother', reflecting the familial relationship between a parent and a grandparent. Throughout history, grandmothers have played crucial roles in families, providing love, care, and wisdom to younger generations. The concept of a grandmother is deeply rooted in many cultures, symbolizing experience, guidance, and unconditional love.
See also: grand, grandad, granddad, grandeur, grandfather, grandiose, grandly, grandma, grandpa, grandparent.