parent
/ˈpɛərənt/
noun
Origin
Latin
parere — to bring forth, bear, produce
Overview
Meaning Now
- A person who is a father or mother; a progenitor.
- An organism, especially a plant or animal, from which others are derived; a source or origin.
Literal older meaning
bringing forth, bearing
Language path
Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
parent
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The word stems from the Latin 'parere', which is the same root found in 'parity' (equality) and 'prepare' (to make ready). In medieval usage, 'parent' could refer to any blood relative, a usage that persists in French (where 'parents' are relatives) but has become obsolete in English.
Evolution
- Latin
parens
“one who brings forth (father or mother)”
- Old French
parent
“relative, kinsman”
The sense shifted from specific biological procreator to general kin.
- Middle English
parent
“father or mother; kinsman”
Adopted into Middle English from Old French.
- Modern English
parent
“father or mother”
The older sense of 'relative' faded, leaving the restricted biological sense.
Connections
Word parts
par-
root
to produce
-ent
suffix
agentive suffix (one who does)
Related across languages
French
relative
Spanish
pariente
relative
Explore next
Related to parent
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.