Mother

Definition

Mother is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a female parent or a woman who performs the role of a parent. As a verb, it means to care for or protect someone as a mother would.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmʌð.ɚ/
• Respelling: MUH-thur

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmʌð.ə/
• Respelling: MUH-thuh

Etymology

The word "mother" originates from Old English "modor," which is derived from Proto-Germanic "*mōdēr" and Proto-Indo-European "*méh₂tēr," both meaning "mother." The term is universally rooted in many languages to refer to a female parent.

Derivatives

• Motherhood (noun)
• Motherly (adjective)
• Motherless (adjective)
• Mothering (noun/verb)
• Stepmother (noun)

Synonyms

• Mom
• Maternal figure
• Parent

Antonyms

• Father
• Guardian (non-parent)
• None (specific female parent has no exact opposite)

Usage

The term "mother" is widely used in familial, cultural, and biological contexts. For example, "She is a loving mother to her children," or "To mother someone is to nurture them."

Related Terms

• Maternal: Relating to a mother.
• Family: A group of related individuals, typically living together.
• Nurture: To care for and encourage growth.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A female parent: The woman who has given birth to or legally adopted a child.
  • Example: "Her mother taught her to cook."
• A woman who performs the role of a parent:
  • Example: "She was like a mother to her younger siblings."
• The origin or source of something:
  • Example: "Necessity is the mother of invention."

Verb

• To care for or protect as a mother would:
  • Example: "She felt the need to mother her younger colleagues at work."
• To nurture or encourage growth:
  • Example: "He mothered the plants, ensuring they thrived."