A1 noun Informal #4,185 most common

dad

/dæd/

An informal and affectionate name for a father, used primarily by children or within a family context. It refers to a male parent who provides care and support for his offspring.

Examples

3 of 5
1

My dad is taking us to the park this afternoon.

My dad is taking us to the park this afternoon.

2

Will your dad be able to join the meeting regarding the school trip?

Will your dad be able to join the meeting regarding the school trip?

3

Hey dad, do you know where my keys are?

Hey dad, do you know where my keys are?

Word Family

Noun
dad
Adjective
dad-like
Related
fatherhood
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Memory Tip

Think of the first sounds a baby makes: 'da-da'. This simple repetitive sound became the foundation for the word 'dad' in many languages.

Quick Quiz

I am going to buy a birthday gift for my ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: dad

Examples

1

My dad is taking us to the park this afternoon.

everyday

My dad is taking us to the park this afternoon.

2

Will your dad be able to join the meeting regarding the school trip?

formal

Will your dad be able to join the meeting regarding the school trip?

3

Hey dad, do you know where my keys are?

informal

Hey dad, do you know where my keys are?

4

In this survey, participants were asked how often their dad helped with homework.

academic

In this survey, participants were asked how often their dad helped with homework.

5

My dad is the CEO, but he treats every employee with respect.

business

My dad is the CEO, but he treats every employee with respect.

Word Family

Noun
dad
Adjective
dad-like
Related
fatherhood

Common Collocations

stay-at-home dad stay-at-home dad
proud dad proud dad
new dad new dad
best dad best dad
dad's side dad's side

Common Phrases

dad joke

dad joke

like father, like son

like father, like son

dad bod

dad bod

Often Confused With

dad vs dead

'Dad' refers to a father (/dæd/), while 'dead' means no longer alive (/ded/).

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'Dad' (capitalized) when you are using it as a proper name to call him directly or as a title without a possessive adjective. Use 'dad' (lowercase) when referring to the role in a general sense or after a possessive pronoun like 'my'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the formal word 'father' in casual conversations where 'dad' would sound much more natural and warm.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the first sounds a baby makes: 'da-da'. This simple repetitive sound became the foundation for the word 'dad' in many languages.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from nursery language, first recorded in the 1500s, likely mimicking a child's early speech patterns.

Grammar Patterns

Plural: dads Used as a proper noun: Hi, Dad. Used with possessives: my dad, your dad.
🌍

Cultural Context

In many English-speaking cultures, 'Dad' is the standard way for adults to refer to their father in social situations, indicating a close relationship.

Quick Quiz

I am going to buy a birthday gift for my ______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: dad

More Family words

father

A1

A father is a male parent of a child. This term describes both the biological relationship and the social role of a man who raises and cares for his children.

mother

A1

A female parent who has given birth to or raised a child. It is also used more broadly to describe a woman who provides care, protection, and support to another person.

son

A1

A male child or man in relation to his parents. It is a fundamental kinship term used to describe a direct male descendant in a family.

child

A1

A young human being below the age of puberty or the legal age of majority. It can also refer to a son or daughter of any age in relation to their parents.

sister

A1

A sister is a girl or woman who shares the same parents as another person. It can also refer to a woman who shares one parent or someone who is very close like a family member.

twin

A1

A twin is one of two children born at the same time to the same mother. It can also refer to one of two things that are exactly the same or very similar.

baby

A1

A baby is a very young human being, typically from birth until they start to walk. It is a general term for an infant who requires complete care and attention from adults.

toddler

A1

A young child who is just beginning to walk, typically between the ages of one and three. This term describes the developmental stage between infancy and the start of preschool.

adult

A1

A person who is fully grown and developed, typically someone who is 18 years of age or older. It is used to distinguish a mature individual from a child or a teenager.

wife

A1

A wife is a female partner in a marriage. It refers to a woman who is legally or formally joined to another person in a marital relationship.

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