Ouder

Ouder is a Dutch word with several related meanings. As a noun it means a parent, with the plural ouders referring to parents in general. As an adjective, ouder is the comparative form of oud, meaning older. In addition, the word appears in compounds and titles that designate elder status, such as ouderling (elder) or ouderraad (parent council).

Etymology and forms: Ouder derives from the Old Dutch form of oud and is cognate with related Germanic words, including German älter. The comparative is formed from oud by adding the suffix -er, yielding ouder, while the superlative forms are oudst or oudste depending on the construction. The noun and adjective share the same basic root, but their uses differ in syntax and meaning.

Usage and notes: In everyday language, ouders means parents, and de ouder can refer to a single parent. As an adjective, ouder appears in the comparative sense (older), often in phrases comparing generations or ages. The term also appears in organizational and institutional terms, such as ouderraad (a body of parents) and ouderling (church elder). The word can occur as part of proper names or titles in Dutch contexts.

Surname mention: Ouder is also found as a Dutch surname, and may appear in genealogical or biographical texts. Outside Dutch-language contexts, the word generally appears only when referencing its Dutch meanings (parent or older) or in proper names and loan translations.