Rodzicem

Rodzicem is the instrumental singular form of the Polish noun rodzic, which means a parent or guardian in reference to a single parent. It is used in contexts where the instrumental case is required by the verb or preposition, for example after z (with) or in certain verbal constructions.

Etymology: The word rodzic comes from the Polish verb rodzić “to bear, give birth,” reflecting the historical sense of a person who begets a child. It is related to terms such as rodzina (family) and ród (lineage or clan).

Grammatical notes: The noun rodzic is masculine. In the singular, its standard forms include nominative rodzic, genitive rodzica, dative rodzicowi, instrumental rodzicem, locative rodzicu, and vocative rodzicu. The instrumental singular form rodzicem is the one used after prepositions or with verbs that require the instrumental case.

Usage: Rodzicem refers to one parent and contrasts with rodzice, which means the parents collectively. It appears in formal and everyday language, including education, childcare, and legal or administrative contexts. Examples: Rozmawiałem z rodzicem dziecka. Wniosek wymaga zgody rodzica. When directly addressing a parent, the vocative form o rodzicu or Drogi rodzicu may be used.

See also: rodzic, rodzice, rodzina. The term sits within a family of words connected to birth, lineage, and kinship in Polish.