father-figure

/'fɑ:ðə'figə/

Thân thiện

A young man seeks guidance from a father-figure at his workplace.

Definition

Noun: 1. A man, often one in a position of authority, power, or influence, who is regarded with the emotions and psychological identification typically directed toward one's biological father. This term describes a person who serves as an emotional substitute or mentor, providing guidance, support, and a model for identification.

Usage

The term "father-figure" is used to describe a specific psychological and emotional relationship. It is typically applied to a man who is not one's biological father but who fulfills a paternal role. - It is often used in psychological, sociological, and everyday contexts to discuss mentorship, leadership, and emotional bonds. - The term is a compound noun and is usually hyphenated.

Examples

• The young soldier saw his commanding officer as a father-figure who provided both discipline and care.
• After his own father passed away, his uncle became a father-figure to him.
• Many people in the community viewed the old priest as a father-figure.

Advanced Usage

• The concept can be analyzed in psychology, where a father-figure may represent an archetype of authority and protection in an individual's life.
• In literature and film, a father-figure character often guides the protagonist, sometimes failing or succeeding in that role, which drives the narrative.

Variants and Related Words

• Father figure (alternative spelling, sometimes written as two words without a hyphen).
• Mentor (n): A trusted advisor or guide, which may overlap with but is not identical to a father-figure, as it lacks the specific paternal emotional component.
• Paternal (adj): Relating to or characteristic of a father.
• Surrogate father (n): A more direct term for a man who takes on the role of a father.

Synonyms

• Mentor
• Guide
• Role model
• Patriarch (especially in the context of a family or group)

Antonyms

• There is no direct antonym for the specific relational role. Contextual opposites could include:
  • Peer
  • Subordinate
  • Rival

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To look up to someone as a father-figure: To admire and emotionally rely on someone in a paternal way.
  • He had no father growing up, so he looked up to his coach as a father-figure.
• To serve as a father-figure: To act in the capacity of a father-figure.
  • The program pairs volunteers with at-risk youth, hoping the volunteers will serve as father-figures.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a man (often a powerful or influential man) who arouses emotions usually felt for your real father and with whom you identify psychologically