FATHERLESS Meaning and
Definition
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Fatherless is an adjective that describes an individual who does not have a father, either due to abandonment, death, or absence. This term is typically used to describe someone who has grown up without the presence or involvement of a father figure in their life. The absence of a father can have profound emotional and psychological effects on a person, as the father's role in child development is crucial for emotional support, role modeling, and guidance.
Fatherlessness can manifest in different ways, affecting various aspects of a person's life such as their self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and overall sense of identity. Without a father's influence, children may struggle with feelings of abandonment, as well as difficulties in establishing healthy boundaries and expectations in their relationships with others. They may also encounter challenges in developing a strong sense of self and identity, as a father's presence often contributes to the formation of one's self-concept.
Furthermore, fatherlessness can have wider implications for society as a whole, as research suggests that individuals who grow up without a father are more likely to experience negative outcomes such as higher rates of poverty, substance abuse, and involvement in the criminal justice system. Understanding the impact of fatherlessness is crucial for designing programs and initiatives that address the needs of individuals and families affected by this condition, with the aim of providing the support and resources necessary to overcome the challenges that arise from growing up without a father.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for FATHERLESS
Etymology of FATHERLESS
The word "fatherless" is derived from the combination of two elements: "father", which comes from the Old English word "fæder", and "less", which is a suffix that means "without" or "lacking".
The word "fæder" itself has roots in Proto-Germanic, where it was spelled "fader". This Proto-Germanic word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*pəter", which means "father" or "parent". This root is believed to have been one of the earliest words used to refer to a father figure in various Indo-European languages.
The combining of "fæder" with the suffix "-less" creates the word "fatherless", which means without a father or lacking a father figure. The term can be used to describe someone who has lost their father, or figuratively, to describe the absence of paternal influence or guidance.
Similar spelling words for FATHERLESS
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