grandfather
A grandfather is the father of a person's father or mother. It is a term used to describe the male parent of one's own parent within a family tree.
Examples
3 of 5My grandfather takes a walk in the park every morning.
My grandfather takes a walk in the park every morning.
The estate was originally purchased by the defendant's grandfather in 1920.
The estate was originally purchased by the defendant's grandfather in 1920.
Hey Grandpa, do you want some more tea?
Hey Grandpa, do you want some more tea?
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'grand' (big or important) 'father'. He is the father of your parent, making him the big father of the family.
Quick Quiz
My father's father is my _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: grandfather
Examples
My grandfather takes a walk in the park every morning.
everydayMy grandfather takes a walk in the park every morning.
The estate was originally purchased by the defendant's grandfather in 1920.
formalThe estate was originally purchased by the defendant's grandfather in 1920.
Hey Grandpa, do you want some more tea?
informalHey Grandpa, do you want some more tea?
Research indicates that the paternal grandfather's health can impact subsequent generations.
academicResearch indicates that the paternal grandfather's health can impact subsequent generations.
He inherited the family business from his grandfather, who started it as a small shop.
businessHe inherited the family business from his grandfather, who started it as a small shop.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
grandfather clause
a provision in which an old rule continues to apply to some existing situations
grandfathered in
allowed to continue under old rules
grandfather clock
a tall, floor-standing pendulum clock
Often Confused With
A grandfather is the older ancestor, while a grandson is the younger male descendant.
A grandfather is male, whereas a grandmother is female.
Usage Notes
In casual settings, it is very common to use 'grandpa' or 'grandad' instead of the full word. 'Grandfather' can also be used as a verb in legal contexts (to grandfather someone in).
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes forget the 'd' in the middle of the word because it is often silent in fast speech. Another mistake is using 'grandfather' for both male and female grandparents.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'grand' (big or important) 'father'. He is the father of your parent, making him the big father of the family.
Word Origin
Derived from Middle English 'grauntfader', a combination of the French 'grand' (great) and English 'father'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, grandfathers are often depicted as storytellers and links to family history.
Quick Quiz
My father's father is my _______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: grandfather
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More Family words
mom
A1A mom is a female parent who cares for and raises her children. It is a warm and informal name used to call or talk about one's mother.
daughter
A1A daughter is a female child or person in relation to her parents. It refers to the biological or legal relationship of a girl or woman to her mother and father.
sibling
A1A sibling is a brother or a sister. It is a general word used to describe people who have the same parents, regardless of their gender.
teenager
A1A teenager is a young person between the ages of 13 and 19. This term is used to describe the period of life when a person is no longer a child but not yet a full adult.
husband
A1A husband is a married man in relation to his spouse. It is a term used to describe a male partner in a marriage or a legally recognized union.
grandmother
A1A grandmother is the mother of a person's father or mother. She is a female ancestor who is two generations older than the person.
grandparent
A1A grandparent is the parent of one's father or mother. It is a general term that refers to either a grandfather or a grandmother within a family structure.
grandson
A1A grandson is the son of one's son or daughter. It is a term used to describe a male child in relation to his grandparents.
granddaughter
A1A granddaughter is the daughter of a person's son or daughter. It describes the relationship between a female child and her grandparents.
grandchild
A1A grandchild is the child of one's son or daughter. It represents the second generation of descendants after one's own children.
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