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Definition of forefather

forefather

/ˈfɔːrˌfɑːðər/
fore · fa · ther
Plural:forefathers
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forefather Lexical Profile

forefather Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A member of the past generations of one's family or people; an ancestor (often used in the plural).

Example

"The museum displays traditional agricultural tools that our forefathers used to cultivate this valley centuries ago."

2

A person who originates or pioneers a cultural movement, intellectual tradition, or institution.

Example

"Early jazz musicians in New Orleans are widely regarded as the artistic forefathers of modern American popular music."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

forecourt
foredeck
foredoomed
forefather
forefinger
forefoot
forefront

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'forfader', formed from 'fore-' (before in time) and 'father', likely modeled on Old Norse 'forfaðir' or Old French 'devantier'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Forefather. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/forefather
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