FATHER


Meaning of FATHER in English

n. & v.

--n.

1. a a man in relation to a child or children born from his fertilization of an ovum. b (in full adoptive father) a man who has continuous care of a child, esp. by adoption.

2 any male animal in relation to its offspring.

3 (usu. in pl.) a progenitor or forefather.

4 an originator, designer, or early leader.

5 a person who deserves special respect (the father of his country).

6 (Fathers or Fathers of the Church) early Christian theologians whose writings are regarded as especially authoritative.

7 (also Father) a (often as a title or form of address) a priest, esp. of a religious order. b a religious leader.

8 (the Father) (in Christian belief) the first person of the Trinity.

9 (Father) a venerable person, esp. as a title in personifications (Father Time).

10 the oldest member or doyen (Father of the House).

11 (usu. in pl.) the leading men or elders in a city or State (city fathers).

--v.tr.

1. beget; be the father of.

2 behave as a father towards.

3 originate (a scheme etc.).

4 appear as or admit that one is the father or originator of.

5 (foll. by on) assign the paternity of (a child, book) to a person.

Phrases and idioms:

father-figure an older man who is respected like a father; a trusted leader. father-in-law (pl. fathers-in-law) the father of one's husband or wife. father of chapel see CHAPEL. Father's Day a day (usu. the third Sunday in June) established for a special tribute to fathers. Father Time see TIME.

Derivatives:

fatherhood n. fatherless adj. fatherlessness n. fatherlike adj. & adv. fathership n.

Etymology: OE f{aelig}der with many Gmc cognates: rel. to L pater, Gk pater

Oxford English vocab.      Оксфордский английский словарь.