fathers-in-law

fathers-in-law

Two fathers-in-law share a friendly conversation at a family picnic.

Definition
  1. Noun (plural of father-in-law):
    • The fathers of one's spouse: "fathers-in-law" refers to the male parents of a person's husband or wife. It is the plural form used when referring to more than one such individual (e.g., the father of one's wife and the father of one's husband, or the fathers of multiple spouses).
Usage Examples
  • (Refers to the male parent of one's spouse, specifically two individuals in this context.)
  • (Refers to the fathers of one's spouse from different marriages or relationships.)
  • (General statement about the plural form of the male parent of one's spouse.)
Advanced Usage
  • "fathers-in-law" as a formal plural: In English, compound nouns like "father-in-law" form their plural by adding "-s" to the main noun (father), not the modifier (in-law). This is a standard rule for hyphenated compound nouns.
    • The correct plural is "fathers-in-law," not "father-in-laws." (Grammatical rule for compound nouns.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Father-in-law (n, singular): The male parent of one's spouse.

    • My father-in-law is a kind and generous man. (Singular form referring to one individual.)

  • Mothers-in-law (n, plural): The female parents of one's spouse.

    • Both of my mothers-in-law are excellent cooks. (Plural form of "mother-in-law.")

  • In-laws (n, plural): The relatives of one's spouse, including parents, siblings, and other family members.

    • We visit my in-laws every Christmas. (General term for spouse's family.)
Synonyms

  • Spouse's fathers: a descriptive phrase meaning the same as "fathers-in-law."

    • My spouse's fathers are both retired teachers. (Equivalent in meaning.)

  • Husband's fathers / Wife's fathers: specific phrases depending on the gender of the spouse.

    • Her husband's fathers live in different cities. (Refers to the fathers of the husband.)
Related Idioms

  • "Like father-in-law, like son-in-law": a humorous twist on the proverb "like father, like son," suggesting that a man may resemble his wife's father in behavior or character.

    • He drives the same car as his father-in-law — like father-in-law, like son-in-law! (A playful comparison.)

  • "Father-in-law's blessing": an idiomatic expression for approval or permission from a spouse's father, especially in traditional contexts.

    • He asked for his father-in-law's blessing before proposing. (Seeking approval from the male parent of one's spouse.)