parent
A1 (Extremely High)Neutral (Used across all registers from formal to informal)
Definition
Meaning
A mother or father; a person who has a child.
An originating source or cause; an organization that owns or controls subsidiaries; in biology, an organism that produces offspring or a precursor in a chemical reaction.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The singular 'parent' can refer to one mother or father, but is often used collectively ('parent' as a role/category). The plural 'parents' is the default for referring to one's mother and father together.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Parent' is used identically in core meaning. Slight differences in compound terms: 'parent-teacher association' (PTA) is more common in the US, while 'parent-teacher association' or 'PTA' is used in the UK, though 'parents' evening' is the typical UK term for a school meeting.
Connotations
Identical core connotations of care, responsibility, and origin.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
parent of [child]parent to [child][child]'s parentVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “parent trap”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a controlling company, e.g., 'The parent company oversees all regional subsidiaries.'
Academic
Used in biology, sociology, and linguistics (e.g., parent language, parent material in geology).
Everyday
Overwhelmingly refers to a mother or father.
Technical
In computing, a parent process, directory, or node; in chemistry, a parent compound.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They chose to parent their children without strict rules.
- The programme explores new ways to parent in the digital age.
American English
- She's parenting three kids on her own.
- The book discusses how to parent effectively during a crisis.
adverb
British English
- This word is not commonly used as an adverb.
- No standard adverbial form exists.
American English
- This word is not commonly used as an adverb.
- No standard adverbial form exists.
adjective
British English
- The parent bird feeds its chicks.
- We need approval from the parent organisation.
American English
- Check the parent folder for the original files.
- The parent material determines the soil's properties.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My parents live in London.
- She is a parent of two children.
- It can be challenging to be a working parent.
- The school sent a letter to all parents.
- The charity is governed by a parent body of trustees.
- His attitude stems from his parents' divorce.
- The parent corporation divested itself of several unprofitable subsidiaries.
- The parent isotope decays into a stable daughter product over millennia.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PAIR of PARENTS. The word contains 'PAR' (like 'part' of a family) and 'ENT' (like 'ent' in 'gentle'—a gentle caregiver).
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURCE IS A PARENT (e.g., 'the parent idea', 'the parent company'). CARE AND GUIDANCE IS PARENTING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'parent' as a direct translation for 'родственник' (relative). 'Parent' is specifically mother/father.
- The plural 'parents' almost always means 'мать и отец' together, not just any relatives.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'parents' as a singular noun (e.g., 'My parents is...').
- Confusing 'parent' with 'relative' or 'family member'.
- In business contexts, misusing 'parent' for 'partner' or 'sister company'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'parent' NOT typically refer to a mother or father?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, though less common. It means to act as a parent to someone or to raise a child (e.g., 'They parent differently').
'Parent' is singular (one mother OR one father). 'Parents' is plural and most commonly refers to one's mother and father together as a unit.
No, it is neutral. It is used in all contexts, from casual conversation ('my parents') to formal business ('parent company') and scientific writing ('parent molecule').
A person who raises a child or children without a partner, typically due to divorce, separation, death, or by choice.
Collections
Part of a collection
Family Members
A1 · 44 words · Words for family, people and relationships at home.