one-parent
UK[ˌwʌn ˈpeə.rənt]US[ˌwʌn ˈper.ənt]
adj
Involving or relating to a single parent, especially in a family structure.
n
A person raising a child or children without a partner; a single parent.
Morpheme Breakdown
one
parent
one
single
parent
mother or father
Etymology
The compound "one-parent" is a modern English formation, directly combining two native elements to create a transparent descriptor for a family structure. The word "one" originates from Proto-Germanic ainaz, carrying the fundamental sense of singularity. "Parent" entered English via Anglo-French from the Latin verb 'parere', meaning "to bring forth, to produce". The compound's logic is purely literal and descriptive, emerging in the mid-20th century to neutrally label a household headed by a sole mother or father, reflecting evolving social patterns and terminology.
Analysis
Structure: one (single) + parent (mother or father)
- one: From Old English 'ān', meaning "one, a single". It functions as a numerical determiner/modifier.
- parent: From Latin 'parent-', 'parens', meaning "begetter, father or mother". It functions as the core noun.
Examples
She grew up in a one-parent household.
Support groups are available for one-parent families.
The policy offers additional benefits to one-parents.