parent

Where does the word "parent" come from? It comes from Latin parere, and was adopted directly into English (1400s).

Parent’s story begins in Latin: parere meant “to bring forth, to give birth.” The root of 'parturition' and 'repertoire'. It reached English by 1400s as parent. Settled as the English word for a father or mother. Today, parent means a father or mother of a child.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient parere "to bring forth, to give birth", the root of 'parturition' and 'repertoire'.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1400s parent "a father or mother", settled as the English word for a father or mother.