forefather

[ fawr-fah-ther, fohr- ]

noun

1. an ancestor.

   Synonyms: forerunner, patriarch, progenitor, forebear

forefather

/ ˈfɔːˌfɑːðə /

noun

1. an ancestor, esp a male

Derived Forms

• ˈforeˌfatherly, adjective

Other Words From

• forefather·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of forefather¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, forefather is from the Middle English word forefader. See fore-, father

Example Sentences

The new version of “Criminal Minds,” fittingly subtitled “Evolution,” which recently completed its second season on Paramount+, follows its CBS forefather in being a show about criminal profilers.

From Los Angeles Times

Like other historians, Horne is highly skeptical of Oglethorpe being a forefather of the abolitionist movement.

From Seattle Times

An article in the Tennessean drew on the works of American literary forefather Washington Irving, describing the lack of scoring in the second and fourth quarters of a football game as a “Rip Van Winkle imitation” by the offenses.

From Washington Times

Other talent joining in the induction: singer Chaka Khan, lyricist Bernie Taupin, hip-hop forefather DJ Kool Herc, guitarist Link Wray, “Soul Train” creator Don Cornelius and record executive Al Kooper.

From Washington Times

Smaller than an American pie with a focus on the inherent simplicity of the ingredients, the Neapolitan pie is truly the harbinger and the forefather of all of the pizza that came after it.

From Salon