Question about the word "parent"

Question

Is the word "parent" always have to be in plural form, i.e. "parents"?  pls explain

Mr Wordy · Accepted Answer

You may see it most often in the plural form, but the singular, "parent", is a perfectly good word:

"It is traumatic for a child to lose a parent."

"Any parent will tell you that."

"It's not easy being a single parent."

Miyabi · Answer

Thanks for your reply. But I'm still not very clear...

So, it that means the singular form "parent" mean either the mother or father. But "parents" means both?

Mr Wordy · Answer

miyabiSo, it that means the singular form "parent" mean either the mother or father. But "parents" means both?

Yes, absolutely. (And, of course, "parents" can also mean lots of mothers and fathers of different children, as in "All the children's parents came to the sports day".)

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