How to pronounce paterfamilias
American English pronunciation
pat-er-fuh-MIL-ee-us
- IPA
- /ˌpætɚfəˈmɪli.əs/
- Syllables
- pat · er · fuh · MIL · ee · us (6 syllables, stress on the 4th)
- Also said
- pay-tur-fuh-MIL-ee-us
Love words? Try a free round: no sign-up, about two minutes. Play free
What paterfamilias means
The father who heads a family
In a sentence: As the paterfamilias, Grandpa sat at the head of the long holiday table.
Where it comes from: It comes from Latin words meaning "father of the family." It has been used in English since about 1425 to 1475.
Can you spot the real meaning? Try one
Loading a word…
Can you spot the real meaning? Play Wordfib
One free round, no sign-up. Wordfib shows a word and four meanings: one real, three fibs.