father

The word “father” means a male parent. In plain terms, a male parent — or, more broadly, someone who founded or led the way in something.

“Father” is pronounced FAH-thuh (/ˈfɑ.ðɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “father” used in a sentence: “Her father taught her how to ride a bike.”

Words with a similar meaning to “father” include ayr, ba, baba, da, dad and dada.

The opposite of “father” — its antonyms — are mother, son, daughter and child.

Depending on how it is used, “father” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “father” comes from Latin. From Old English fæder, from a very old Indo-European root shared with Latin pater and Greek patēr.

“Father” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

Both refer to a male parent, but the tone differs. 'Father' is the more formal, neutral term, used in official contexts and for biological or legal relationships. 'Dad' is warm and affectionate, the word most people actually call their own father. A father is defined by the role; 'dad' expresses the bond.

A father figure is a man who provides the guidance, support, and role-modelling normally associated with a father, without necessarily being the biological or legal parent. It might be a grandfather, teacher, coach, or mentor. The phrase highlights the emotional role a father plays rather than the blood relationship.

It is more formal than everyday alternatives like 'dad', 'daddy', or 'papa'. You would write 'father' on official forms and use it in serious or respectful contexts, but most people say 'dad' in ordinary conversation. Neither is wrong; the choice simply reflects how formal or affectionate you want to sound.