A1 noun Neutral #249 most common

grandparent

/ˈɡrændˌpɛərənt/

A 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.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I visit my grandparent every Sunday afternoon to help with the garden.

I visit my grandparent every Sunday afternoon to help with the garden.

2

The policy allows for leave to care for an elderly grandparent in case of illness.

The policy allows for leave to care for an elderly grandparent in case of illness.

3

My grandparent is actually really cool and knows a lot about video games.

My grandparent is actually really cool and knows a lot about video games.

Word Family

Noun
grandparent
Adjective
grandparental
Related
grandparenthood
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Memory Tip

Think of 'Grand' (large/great) plus 'Parent'. A grandparent is a 'great' parent in your family tree history.

Quick Quiz

Since my mother is busy at work, my ________ often picks me up from school.

Correct!

The correct answer is: grandparent

Examples

1

I visit my grandparent every Sunday afternoon to help with the garden.

everyday

I visit my grandparent every Sunday afternoon to help with the garden.

2

The policy allows for leave to care for an elderly grandparent in case of illness.

formal

The policy allows for leave to care for an elderly grandparent in case of illness.

3

My grandparent is actually really cool and knows a lot about video games.

informal

My grandparent is actually really cool and knows a lot about video games.

4

Sociological research suggests that the role of a grandparent varies significantly across different cultures.

academic

Sociological research suggests that the role of a grandparent varies significantly across different cultures.

5

Employees are eligible for bereavement benefits following the passing of a grandparent.

business

Employees are eligible for bereavement benefits following the passing of a grandparent.

Word Family

Noun
grandparent
Adjective
grandparental
Related
grandparenthood

Common Collocations

paternal grandparent The parent of one's father.
maternal grandparent The parent of one's mother.
loving grandparent A grandparent who shows a lot of affection.
doting grandparent A grandparent who is extremely fond of their grandchildren.
great-grandparent The parent of one's grandparent.

Common Phrases

become a grandparent

To reach the life stage where one's child has a child.

grandparent rights

Legal rights regarding visitation or custody of grandchildren.

grandparent scam

A specific type of fraud targeting elderly people by posing as a relative in trouble.

Often Confused With

grandparent vs godparent

A godparent is a chosen sponsor for a child (usually for religious reasons), while a grandparent is a biological relative.

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Usage Notes

Use 'grandparent' as a gender-neutral term when you don't need to specify if the person is a grandmother or grandfather.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget that 'grandparents' is the plural form for both, while 'grandparent' refers to only one individual.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Grand' (large/great) plus 'Parent'. A grandparent is a 'great' parent in your family tree history.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle English use of 'grand' (from French 'grand' meaning large/great) combined with the word 'parent'.

Grammar Patterns

It is a countable noun (one grandparent, two grandparents). Usually preceded by a possessive adjective like 'my', 'his', or 'her'. The plural 'grandparents' refers to the pair collectively.
🌍

Cultural Context

In many cultures, grandparents are highly respected and are often primary caregivers for their grandchildren.

Quick Quiz

Since my mother is busy at work, my ________ often picks me up from school.

Correct!

The correct answer is: grandparent

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.

dad

A1

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.

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.

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