Faðir

Faðir is the Icelandic word for "father," a masculine noun used to denote a male parent. It is the standard term for a father in both formal writing and everyday speech. In informal conversations, speakers commonly use affectionate alternatives such as pabbi. The definite singular form is faðirinn, as in the phrase “the father.”

Etymology and cognates: The word descends from Old Norse faðir and Proto-Germanic *fadir, part of a family of words for father found across Germanic languages. It is cognate with English father, German Vater, Dutch vader, and the Swedish and Danish equivalents in older or more formal registers. The Icelandic form preserves the historical consonant structure typical of the language.

Usage and context: Faðir is used to refer to a male parent in family terms, legal or genealogical language, and literary contexts. In modern Icelandic, it coexists with more informal terms for father, reflecting a common distinction between formal and colloquial speech. The word also appears in religious and ceremonial contexts where a formal or reverential tone is desired.

See also: The term is part of the broader Germanic family of words for father, and for related linguistic and cultural discussions one may compare equivalents in neighboring languages.