Grandfather

Definition

Grandfather is a noun that refers to the father of one's parent. It can also be used metaphorically to denote someone or something that is the originator or early member of a group, tradition, or field. As a verb, it means to exempt something from a new rule or requirement due to preexisting conditions.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɡrænˌfɑːðər/
• Respelling: GRAN-fah-thur

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɡrɑːnˌfɑːðə/
• Respelling: GRAHN-fah-thuh

Etymology

The word "grandfather" originates from the combination of "grand," meaning "of a high rank or generation," and "father," which derives from Old English "fæder," meaning "male parent." The term entered English in the 16th century to denote the parent of one's parent.

Derivatives

• Grandfatherly (adjective)
• Grandfatherhood (noun)
• Grandfathering (noun/verb)
• Grandfathered (adjective)
• Granddad (noun, informal)

Synonyms

• Granddad
• Grandpa
• Forefather

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "grandfather" is commonly used to refer to one's male grandparent, as in "My grandfather told me stories from his childhood." As a verb, it is often used in legal or technical contexts to describe an exemption, such as "The older buildings were grandfathered into the new zoning regulations."

Related Terms

• Ancestor: A person from whom one is descended.
• Grandparent: A parent of one's parent.
• Patriarch: The male head of a family or group.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The father of one's parent: Refers to one's male grandparent.
  • Example: "His grandfather served in World War II."
• A metaphorical term for an originator or predecessor: Refers to the early member or founder of a tradition or group.
  • Example: "He is considered the grandfather of modern physics."

Verb

• To exempt from new regulations due to prior status: Describes a legal or policy-related exemption.
  • Example: "The policy was grandfathered for existing employees."