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Mothering: meaning, definitions and examples

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mothering

 

[ ˈmʌðərɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

parenting role

Mothering refers to the act of caring for and nurturing children, typically carried out by a mother. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including feeding, teaching, and providing emotional support. Mothering can also apply to the protective and caring behavior seen in various species of animals. This term highlights the importance of maternal influences in development, shaping children's emotional and psychological well-being. It can also extend to the role of maternal figures beyond biological mothers.

Synonyms

caring, guardianship, nurturing, parenting, raising

Examples of usage

  • She spent her days mothering her three children.
  • The community praised her for mothering the local youth.
  • Animals exhibit mothering behaviors toward their young.
  • Mothering often includes teaching important life lessons.

Translations

Translations of the word "mothering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maternidade

🇮🇳 मां बनने की प्रक्रिया

🇩🇪 Mutterschaft

🇮🇩 keibuan

🇺🇦 материнство

🇵🇱 macierzyństwo

🇯🇵 母性

🇫🇷 maternité

🇪🇸 maternidad

🇹🇷 annelik

🇰🇷 모성

🇸🇦 الأمومة

🇨🇿 mateřství

🇸🇰 materská starostlivosť

🇨🇳 母性

🇸🇮 materinstvo

🇮🇸 móðurhlutverk

🇰🇿 аналық

🇬🇪 დედობა

🇦🇿 ana olmaq

🇲🇽 maternidad

Etymology

The term 'mothering' is derived from the word 'mother,' which has its roots in Old English 'modor' and Proto-Germanic '*mōdēr', tracing back to Proto-Indo-European '*méh₂tēr'. The concept of mothering has existed throughout human history, highlighting the essential role mothers play in the upbringing of children. Historically, mothering was often a communal effort in many cultures, where women would care for their children collectively. The evolution of the term reflects changing societal norms about parenting and family structures, especially as more discussions arise about gender roles and shared parenting responsibilities.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,282, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.