pa
16 synonyms and 0 antonyms for pa, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An informal word for father.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
A clipped, childlike form of "papa."
Full origin of pa →Frequently asked questions
What does “pa” mean?
The word “pa” means an informal word for father. In plain terms, a casual, old-fashioned way of saying "dad" (or sometimes "grandpa").
How do you pronounce “pa”?
“Pa” is pronounced pah (/pɑː/ in IPA).
How do you use “pa” in a sentence?
Here is “pa” used in a sentence: “Pa always sat at the head of the table for dinner.”
What part of speech is “pa”?
“Pa” is a noun.
Is “pa” a common word?
“Pa” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “pa” have?
“Pa” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an informal word for father.
What does pa mean?
Pa is an informal, affectionate word for one's father, similar to dad, papa, or pop. It has an old-fashioned, homely feel and appears often in older books, rural speech, and regional dialects. It is a shortened, familiar form rather than a formal term of address.
Is pa formal or informal?
Pa is informal. You would use it with family or in casual, affectionate speech, not in formal writing or official documents, where 'father' is the correct choice. It belongs to the same relaxed group as ma, dad, and mum, and often sounds old-fashioned or regional today.
What is the difference between pa and papa?
Both are informal words for father, and they share the same root. Pa is shorter and blunter, common in older or rural English, while papa is slightly softer and can sound more childlike or, in some accents, more formal. In practice the two are largely interchangeable.