Grandmother: meaning, definitions and examples
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grandmother
[ˈɡrændˌmʌðər ]
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.
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| 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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'grandmother' comes from the Old French 'grand-mère', where 'grand' means 'great' and 'mère' 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.
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 child’s emotional development and security.
- Having an involved grandmother can positively impact a child’s 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.
Translations
Translations of the word "grandmother" in other languages:
🇵🇹 avó
🇮🇳 दादी
🇩🇪 Großmutter
🇮🇩 nenek
🇺🇦 бабуся
🇵🇱 babcia
🇯🇵 祖母 (そぼ)
🇫🇷 grand-mère
🇪🇸 abuela
🇹🇷 büyükanne
🇰🇷 할머니
🇸🇦 جدة
🇨🇿 babička
🇸🇰 babička
🇨🇳 祖母
- 奶奶
- 外婆
🇸🇮 babica
🇮🇸 amma
🇰🇿 әже
🇬🇪 ბებია
🇦🇿 nənə
🇲🇽 abuela