Supermother

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A woman who combines exceptional parenting skills with extraordinary capabilities in managing household, career, and social responsibilities, often seen as a role model of nurturing and strength
  2. An idealized maternal figure who excels at providing emotional support, guidance, and care while effectively balancing multiple demanding roles in family and society
  3. A highly capable mother who demonstrates outstanding dedication, multitasking ability, and resilience in fulfilling parenting duties alongside other personal and professional obligations

Etymology: "Supermother" is a transparent compound: "super-" from Latin "super," meaning "above" or "beyond," joined to "mother," from Old English "modor," which goes back to Proto-Germanic roots shared with words like German "Mutter." The prefix "super-" has been used in English since the 1500s to mean "beyond the usual degree," and it was attached freely to many nouns in the 20th century, which is how "supermother" took its place among similar formations such as "superwoman" and "superdad." The word is a modern formation rather than an old term. Its meaning is essentially the same as the compound's parts suggest: a mother who seems to do more than an ordinary mother could. Because it was built from familiar pieces, its origin offers little in the way of surprise, and its record in print is recent, appearing mainly from the mid-to-late 20th century as women's roles outside the home expanded and popular culture began celebrating such figures.

Synonyms: supermom, supermum, excellent mother

Antonyms: neglectful mother