How Do You Spell FATHER?

Pronunciation: [fˈɑːðə] (IPA)

The word "father" is spelled with the letters f-a-t-h-e-r. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /ˈfɑːðər/. The first sound, /f/, is a voiceless labiodental fricative, made by touching the bottom lip to the upper teeth and forcing air out. The second sound, /ɑː/, is a long open back vowel, made with the mouth open and the tongue in the back of the mouth. Finally, the last two sounds, /ðər/, represent a voiced dental fricative and a reduced schwa vowel, respectively.

FATHER Meaning and Definition

  1. Father is defined as a male biological or adoptive parent who has aided in the creation, development, and nurturing of a child. The term "father" typically refers to the male partner in heterosexual relationships, contributing half of the genetic material required for procreation. However, the concept of fatherhood extends beyond biology, as it also encompasses the act of caring, protecting, and guiding a child. A father plays a crucial role in a child's life, offering emotional support, moral values, and guidance through life's challenges.

    The role of a father is multifaceted and can vary greatly depending on cultural beliefs, societal norms, and family dynamics. Traditionally, a father is expected to be a breadwinner, providing financially for the family. Fathers are often seen as authority figures, responsible for disciplining and establishing boundaries. They are also regarded as mentors, teaching life skills, and transmitting knowledge from one generation to the next. Moreover, fathers are key figures in a child's socialization, encouraging independence, resilience, and self-confidence.

    In recent times, the definition of fatherhood has expanded to include a broader range of family structures and roles. This includes single fathers, same-sex fathers, and fathers who provide emotional support without a biological connection. The role of a father is not solely restricted to men, as it can be assumed by any person who takes on the responsibilities of a father figure.

    Ultimately, the term "father" encompasses not only the biological relationship between a male parent and their offspring but also the emotional, social, and nurturing aspects of a parent-child bond.

  2. • A male parent; the first ancestor; a common title, applied to a protector, deliverer, or supporter; God the Creator; a name given to Rom. Cath. priests.
    • To ascribe or charge to one as his offspring or production; to adopt anything as one's own.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for FATHER *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for FATHER

Etymology of FATHER

The word "father" has its origin in the Old English word "fæder", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "fader" and the Proto-Indo-European root *pəter. This root is present in many ancient languages, such as Latin "pater" and Greek "pateras". It is believed that this word ultimately comes from a common ancestral language spoken thousands of years ago. The term "father" has undergone relatively little change throughout history, suggesting its deep-rooted presence in various language families.

Idioms with the word FATHER

  • the father of sth The idiom "the father of something" is used to describe a person who is considered to be the originator or pioneer of a particular thing, idea, concept, or field. It implies that they were the first to create or develop something significant, therefore earning them the title of "the father" of that particular thing.
  • a bit of how's your father The idiom "a bit of how's your father" is a British colloquial expression which is used to refer to sexual activity or a romantic dalliance. It is a euphemism used especially in a playful or light-hearted manner to indicate intimacy or a casual encounter.
  • child is father of the man The idiom "child is father of the man" means that a person's character or behavior in adulthood is greatly influenced by their experiences and upbringing during childhood. In other words, the qualities and traits that a person develops as a child shape who they become as an adult.
  • The wish is father to the thought The idiom "The wish is father to the thought" means that people's desires or wishes can influence their thoughts or create a bias in their thinking, leading them to believe or perceive something in a certain way, even if it may not be entirely true or rational. It suggests that our desires can shape our perception of reality.
  • father sth on sm The idiom "father something on someone" typically means to falsely attribute or assign something to someone, usually with the intent to deceive or mislead others. It is a phrase describing the act of wrongfully placing blame, responsibility, or ownership onto an individual.
  • from father to son The idiom "from father to son" refers to the passing down of knowledge, skills, or talents from one generation to the next within a family. It implies the inherited traits, abilities, or characteristics that are traditionally and genetically transmitted from a father to his male offspring. It can also indicate the transfer of a particular profession, occupation, or family legacy from one generation to the next.
  • old enough to be somebody’s father/mother The idiom "old enough to be somebody's father/mother" means that someone is significantly older than another person, to the extent that they could be their parent based on age alone. This phrase is often used to emphasize a large age difference between two individuals.
  • the child is father of the man The idiom "the child is father of the man" means that the traits and characteristics developed during childhood significantly influence a person's future personality, behavior, or outlook on life. It suggests that the person's childhood experiences shape their adult self.
  • old enough to be someone's father The idiom "old enough to be someone's father" means that a person is significantly older than another individual to the extent that they could be their biological father. It implies a significant age gap, suggesting that the person being referred to as "old enough to be someone's father" is considerably older than the other person being discussed.
  • father something on someone The idiom "father something on someone" means to wrongly attribute or assign the responsibility or blame for something to someone. It implies falsely stating or implying that someone is responsible for an action, event, or problem.
  • how's your father The idiom "how's your father" typically refers to a euphemism or slang term used to indirectly refer to sexual activity or illicit affairs. It is often used humorously or in a lighthearted manner to allude to such activities without being explicitly explicit.
  • old enough to be someone's father (or mother) The idiom "old enough to be someone's father (or mother)" refers to a significant age difference between two individuals where one person is considerably older than the other, to the extent that they could be their parent. It typically implies that the age difference is substantial enough to raise eyebrows or be considered unconventional or inappropriate.
  • a spot of how's your father The idiom "a spot of how's your father" is a colloquial expression used in British English. It is an euphemism that refers to casual sexual activity or a sexual encounter. It is typically used humorously or in a lighthearted manner.
  • founding father The idiom "founding father" refers to the individuals who were instrumental in establishing or creating a country, organization, or system. It is typically used to describe the key figures who played a significant role in drafting founding documents, setting the principles, or laying the groundwork for the establishment of a nation or institution. For example, in the United States, the founding fathers are often referred to as the group of delegates who drafted and signed the U.S. Constitution.
  • like father, like son The idiom "like father, like son" is used to describe a situation where a son follows in his father's footsteps, exhibiting similar qualities, interests, or behavior as his father. It indicates that the son is very similar to his father in terms of personality, actions, or traits.
  • It is a wise child that knows its own father. The idiom "It is a wise child that knows its own father" means that it is rare for a child to accurately identify its biological father without assistance or confirmation. It suggests that paternity can be uncertain or difficult to ascertain, implying that one should be cautious in assuming genealogical relationships.
  • Experience is the father of wisdom,
  • twinkle in (one's) father's eye The phrase "twinkle in (one's) father's eye" is often used to refer to someone or something that existed or was just a vague idea or possibility in the past, particularly before they were born or came into existence. It is often used to convey a sense of nostalgia or reflection on the past.
  • not your father's The idiom "not your father's" is used to describe something that is different or updated from the traditional or old-fashioned version of something. It suggests a newer or more modern version of a familiar concept or product.
  • when sb was a (mere) twinkle in their father's eye This idiom is used to refer to a time before someone was born, when they were just a thought or a possibility in their father's mind. It can also be used to describe a time when someone was not yet a physical presence in the world.
  • when was a twinkle in father's eye The idiom "when (someone) was a twinkle in father's eye" is used to refer to a time long before the person was born, typically when their parents were still young or before they even met. It implies that the person did not yet exist or was not yet conceived at that time.
  • when (one) was a twinkle in (one's) father's eye The idiom "when (one) was a twinkle in (one's) father's eye" refers to a time before a person was even conceived or born, often used humorously or nostalgically to refer to a time far in the past.

Similar spelling words for FATHER

  • Feather-head,
  • feather,
  • biological-father,
  • lather,
  • futhore,
  • Feather-edged,
  • father-child,
  • father-to-be,
  • co-father-in-law,
  • further,
  • half-feather,
  • father-figure,
  • fore-father,
  • fatter,
  • house-father,
  • city-father,
  • tar-and-feather,
  • -father,
  • prince\'s-feather,
  • Father-land,
  • flight-feather,
  • father-god,
  • Cock-feather,
  • contour-feather,
  • God-Father,
  • Fader,
  • Feather-weight,
  • fatheree,
  • nursing-father,
  • futher,
  • Feather-brained,
  • Feather-stars,
  • Father-long-legs,
  • Feather-few,
  • rather,
  • mid-feather,
  • Phtheir,
  • penny-father,
  • Phthor,
  • feather-bed,
  • grand-father,
  • down-feather,
  • father-daughter,
  • feather-edged/,
  • father-in-law,
  • feather-plucking,
  • feather-like,
  • prince's-feather,
  • feather-tracts,
  • fether,
  • father-and-son,
  • feather-light,
  • phthora,
  • swines-feather,
  • feathery,
  • Feather-flowers,
  • Feather-edge,
  • Feather-headed,
  • father-son,
  • f-f-father,
  • Feather-foil,
  • gather,
  • Feather-grass,
  • feather-bedding,
  • foster-father,
  • how's-your-father,
  • mother-father,
  • feather-duster,
  • FATHER-IN-L,
  • vithar,
  • father/son,
  • featherier,
  • Feather-heeled,
  • Fother,
  • Feather-boarding,
  • Pin-feather,
  • Feather-shot,
  • father-confessor,
  • Feather-pated,
  • GRANDFATHER-FATHER-SON,
  • step-father,
  • Beam-feather,
  • Feather-spray,
  • Feather-shaped,
  • Feather-veined,
  • s-feather,
  • birds-feather,
  • vitharr,
  • Father-lasher,
  • farther,
  • fathur,
  • quill-feather,
  • co-father,
  • gay-feather,
  • White-feather,
  • faither,
  • feather-star.

Plural form of FATHER is FATHERS

Conjugate verb Father

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have fathered
you would have fathered
he/she/it would have fathered
we would have fathered
they would have fathered
I would have father
you would have father
he/she/it would have father
we would have father
they would have father

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been fathering
you would have been fathering
he/she/it would have been fathering
we would have been fathering
they would have been fathering

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would father
you would father
he/she/it would father
we would father
they would father

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be fathering
you would be fathering
he/she/it would be fathering
we would be fathering
they would be fathering

FUTURE

I will father
you will father
he/she/it will father
we will father
they will father

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be fathering
you will be fathering
he/she/it will be fathering
we will be fathering
they will be fathering

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have fathered
you will have fathered
he/she/it will have fathered
we will have fathered
they will have fathered

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been fathering
you will have been fathering
he/she/it will have been fathering
we will have been fathering
they will have been fathering

IMPERATIVE

you father
we let´s father

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to father

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was fathering
you were fathering
he/she/it was fathering
we were fathering
they were fathering

PAST PARTICIPLE

fathered

PAST PERFECT

I had fathered
you had fathered
he/she/it had fathered
we had fathered
they had fathered

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been fathering
you had been fathering
he/she/it had been fathering
we had been fathering
they had been fathering

PRESENT

I father
you father
he/she/it fathers
we father
they father

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am fathering
you are fathering
he/she/it is fathering
we are fathering
they are fathering

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

fathering

PRESENT PERFECT

I have fathered
you have fathered
he/she/it has fathered
we have fathered
they have fathered

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been fathering
you have been fathering
he/she/it has been fathering
we have been fathering
they have been fathering

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it father

SIMPLE PAST

I fathered
you fathered
he/she/it fathered
we fathered
they fathered

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