godfather: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal for the religious sense; informal/figurative for the mentor/criminal sense.
Quick answer
What does “godfather” mean?
A man who, at a child's baptism, promises to help raise the child in the Christian faith and to provide guidance and support.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A man who, at a child's baptism, promises to help raise the child in the Christian faith and to provide guidance and support; a male godparent.
A powerful leader or mentor, especially in a criminal organization (e.g., the Mafia); a person who founds, sponsors, or significantly influences an institution, movement, or field; to act as a godfather to someone or something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in definition. The criminal/organizational sense is equally understood due to global media.
Connotations
In both varieties, the criminal connotation is strong. The religious sense may be slightly more salient in the UK due to higher rates of formal Christening.
Frequency
Comparable frequency. The figurative use is likely more frequent in general discourse than the religious term in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “godfather” in a Sentence
godfather of [the child/organization]godfather to [someone]act as godfatherbe made godfatherVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “godfather” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He agreed to godfather their son at the christening next month.
- The veteran actor was asked to godfather the new film festival.
American English
- She asked her brother to godfather her daughter.
- The tech billionaire godfathered several start-ups in the early 2000s.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. Use prepositional phrases like 'in a godfatherly way'.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form. Use prepositional phrases like 'in a godfatherly manner'.)
adjective
British English
- He has a certain godfatherly aura about him.
- She received godfatherly advice from her mentor.
American English
- He took on a godfatherly role in the organization.
- The boss's godfatherly tone made everyone nervous.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically for a founding or highly influential figure in an industry (e.g., 'the godfather of Silicon Valley').
Academic
Rare, except in historical or sociological studies of religion or organized crime.
Everyday
Common in both the family/religious context and the popular figurative sense.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “godfather”
- Using 'godfather' to mean 'grandfather'. Confusing 'godfather' (male) with 'godmother' (female). Overusing the criminal sense in inappropriate contexts (e.g., a child's baptism).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the male-specific term is 'godfather'. The female equivalent is 'godmother'. The gender-neutral term is 'godparent'.
No. The original and still-current meaning is religious. The association with organized crime is a figurative extension popularized by culture, though it is now very common.
A father is a biological or adoptive parent. A godfather is a sponsor at a Christian baptism who takes on a spiritual and supportive role, but not a legal parental role.
Yes, though less common. It means to act as a godfather to someone or to sponsor/patronize something (e.g., 'He godfathered the new project').
A man who, at a child's baptism, promises to help raise the child in the Christian faith and to provide guidance and support.
Godfather is usually neutral to formal for the religious sense; informal/figurative for the mentor/criminal sense. in register.
Godfather: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒdfɑːðə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːdfɑːðər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The Godfather of [something]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FATHER who is chosen by GOD (parents) to guide a child. For the criminal sense, picture Marlon Brando in the famous film.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWERFUL LEADER IS A FATHER FIGURE / SPONSORSHIP IS PATERNITY.
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, calling someone 'the godfather of the industry' implies they are: