Parents Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ
parents
[หpษrษnts ]
Definitions
family
A mother or father of a person or an animal.
Synonyms
caretaker, father, guardian, mother.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| parents |
Use this term when referring to both a mother and a father collectively. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.
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| mother |
This term specifically refers to the female parent. It is commonly used in personal and formal contexts.
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| father |
This term specifically refers to the male parent. It can be used in personal conversations, family discussions, or formal documents.
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| guardian |
A guardian is a person who has the legal authority and duty to care for another person, often a child. This term is commonly used in legal contexts or when speaking about non-parental caretakers.
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| caretaker |
A caretaker is someone who looks after another person, often in a professional capacity or when the parents are unavailable. This term can imply a temporary or non-familial role.
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Examples of usage
- The parents were proud of their children's achievements.
- She resembles her parents in many ways.
biology
The organism that produces an offspring.
Synonyms
ancestor, forebear, progenitor.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| parents |
Use when referring to one's mother and father or legal guardians.
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| progenitor |
A more formal term for an ancestor, often used in scientific or academic contexts to describe the first person or animal in a biological line.
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| ancestor |
Use when referring to someone from whom one is descended, typically more distant in the past than a grandparent.
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| forebear |
A more formal or literary word for ancestor, often used in historical or genealogical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The parents of the baby bird were feeding it worms.
- The parents protect their young from predators.
general
To act as a parent to; to bring up; to rear.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| parents |
Used to refer to the mother and father of a child.
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| raise |
Used to describe the act of bringing up a child, including providing for their physical, emotional, and educational needs.
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| care for |
Used to describe the act of looking after and providing for someoneโs needs, typically in a compassionate or nurturing way. Can be used in various contexts, including childcare, eldercare, and even pet care.
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| nurture |
Focuses on the emotional and developmental support provided to someone, often used in a context where growth and development are emphasized.
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Examples of usage
- She parents her children with love and care.
- The teacher parents her students like they are her own.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, parents are often seen as protectors and providers, with specific roles assigned to mothers and fathers.
- Some societies have extended family structures where grandparents, aunts, and uncles may also fulfill parenting roles.
Psychology
- Research shows that a nurturing parenting style positively influences a child's emotional and social development.
- Studies indicate that children raised in stable, loving homes tend to have better self-esteem and perform better academically.
Modern Parenting Trends
- The concept of 'co-parenting' has evolved, emphasizing teamwork among parents, regardless of marital status.
- Many contemporary parents are adopting a more active role in household tasks, challenging traditional gender roles.
Pop Culture
- Movies and books often showcase parents as heroic figures or, in contrast, as sources of conflict in coming-of-age stories.
- Popular television shows frequently explore the complexities of familial relationships and the challenges of modern parenting.
Origin of 'parents'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'parens', meaning 'to bring forth' or 'to give birth'.
- In ancient Rome, the term was used to describe both biological and social guardians of children.
The word 'parents' originated from the Latin word 'parent-' meaning 'a father or mother.' Throughout history, the concept of parenting has evolved to encompass various roles and responsibilities within the family structure. Parents play a crucial role in the upbringing and development of their children, providing love, support, and guidance. The importance of parental involvement in a child's life has been recognized across cultures and societies.
See also: parentage, parental, parenthood, parenting.