parent
A parent is a mother or father who cares for and raises a child. It can also refer to a legal guardian who has the primary responsibility for a minor's upbringing and development.
Examples
3 of 5My parents are coming to visit this weekend.
My mother and father are visiting me this weekend.
The school requires a signature from a parent or legal guardian.
The institution needs an official signature from a legal caretaker.
Are your parents cool with you staying out late?
Do your mom and dad mind if you stay out past your curfew?
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a PAir of people who pay the RENT to keep a home for their kids: PA-RENT.
Quick Quiz
Every ________ must attend the safety meeting before the school trip begins.
Correct!
The correct answer is: parent
Examples
My parents are coming to visit this weekend.
everydayMy mother and father are visiting me this weekend.
The school requires a signature from a parent or legal guardian.
formalThe institution needs an official signature from a legal caretaker.
Are your parents cool with you staying out late?
informalDo your mom and dad mind if you stay out past your curfew?
The study examines the influence of parent involvement on student achievement.
academicThe research looks at how guardian participation affects academic performance.
We offer flexible hours for employees who are parents.
businessThe company provides adaptable schedules for staff members who have children.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
parent-teacher conference
a meeting between parents and teachers to discuss a student's progress
like parent, like child
used to say that a child behaves like their mother or father
planned parenthood
the practice of choosing when to have children
Often Confused With
A parent is specifically a mother or father, while a relative can be anyone in the extended family like an aunt or cousin.
Learners sometimes confuse the sounds, but a peasant is a historical term for a poor farmer.
Usage Notes
The term 'parent' is gender-neutral. Use it when the specific gender of the mother or father is unknown, irrelevant, or to include both.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the singular 'parent' when they mean both people; use 'parents' for the pair. Also, don't confuse the noun with the verb form which means 'to act as a parent'.
Memory Tip
Think of a PAir of people who pay the RENT to keep a home for their kids: PA-RENT.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'parens', meaning 'one who gives birth' or 'begetter'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many modern Western societies, the term 'parent' increasingly includes non-biological guardians and same-sex couples.
Quick Quiz
Every ________ must attend the safety meeting before the school trip begins.
Correct!
The correct answer is: parent
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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