father in law
Marriage-made parent
A father-in-law is the father of one's spouse.
The relationship is created by marriage rather than blood.
The plural is fathers-in-law: Both of my fathers-in-law served in the military.
The hyphenated form is standard, though father in law appears informally.
Marriage rite and feast
bride · bridegroom · ceremony · vows · engagement · betrothal · dowry · blessing
Senior figure of authority
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- respectRegard with honor
- providerOne who furnishes things
protector · legacy · inheritance · estate · family business · succession · approval
Advice for decisions
- wisdomGood judgment from experience
- adviceGuidance on decisions
- experiencePractical knowledge from life
- counselExpert guidance offered
role model · support · teaching · influence · encouragement · apprenticeship · trade secrets · life lessons
wedding
Marriage rite and feast
union · bride · bridegroom · ceremony · vows · engagement · betrothal · dowry · blessing · permission
elder
Senior figure of authority
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- traditionCustom passed through generations
- respectRegard with honor
provider · protector · legacy · inheritance · estate · family business · succession · approval
guidance
Advice for decisions
- wisdomGood judgment from experience
- adviceGuidance on decisions
- experiencePractical knowledge from life
counsel · role model · support · teaching · influence · encouragement · apprenticeship · trade secrets · life lessons · career advice
extended family
Relatives beyond parents, siblings
father in lawbiological father
Male progenitor by blood
birth father · natural father · father · dad · papa
father, fathers, fatherly, fatherhood, fatherless, paternal, paternity, patriarch, patriarchy