father-in-law
/'fɑ:ðərinlɔ:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The father of one's spouse: This term refers specifically to the father of the person one is married to. It is a kinship term that defines a relationship created by marriage, not by blood.
Usage
- The term "father-in-law" is used to refer to or address the father of your husband or wife.
- It is a singular noun. The standard plural form is fathers-in-law.
- It is a formal and respectful term. In informal contexts, people may use the person's first name or a familial nickname (e.g., "Dad") with permission.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- Possessive Form: The possessive forms are "father-in-law's" (singular) and "fathers-in-law's" (plural).
- My father-in-law's car is in the driveway.
- The fathers-in-law's opinions were surprisingly similar.
Variants and Related Words
- Mother-in-law (noun): The mother of one's spouse.
- Son-in-law (noun): The husband of one's daughter.
- Daughter-in-law (noun): The wife of one's son.
- Parent-in-law (noun): A general term for either the father-in-law or mother-in-law. The plural is parents-in-law.
- In-laws (noun, plural): A collective, informal term for the family of one's spouse, especially the parents.
Synonyms
- Spouse's father: A more descriptive synonym.
- FIL: A common written abbreviation used in texts or informal notes.
Notes on Meaning
- The term is gender-specific ("father") and relationship-specific ("in-law"). It does not refer to a stepfather (who is married to one's parent but is not a blood relation) or a biological father.
- The relationship is defined solely by marriage. If the marriage ends, the legal relationship of in-laws may also end, though social connections can persist.
Noun
- the father of your spouse