There are so many words you can use to describe a father in your writing. We’ve included 10 words that start with E to describe a dad in the list below.
1. Easygoing
Definition
Relaxed and not easily upset or worried.
Examples
“Their easygoing dad effortlessly navigated the chaos of family life with a laid-back demeanor; it seemed like nothing could ever faze him.”
“Whenever her mom said no, the girl always knew that her easygoing dad was likely to give her permission.”
How it Adds Description
Using “easygoing” to describe a dad highlights their laid-back and carefree nature. Often when it comes to parenting dad can be seen as the softer nut to crack so is likely the one your characters will go to if they want to do something daring. Additionally, it signifies a character who has likely faced many challenges, so parenting doesn’t exactly scare them!
2. Eccentric
Definition
Strange or unusual, often in a humorous way.
Examples
“With his collection of bizarre hobbies and penchant for wild fashion choices, his eccentric dad was a constant source of amusement and intrigue for his family and friends, but to him, he was ever a source of embarrassment.”
“The eccentric dad, with his unconventional parenting methods and knack for turning everyday activities into extraordinary adventures, infused a sense of whimsy and wonder into the lives of his children.”
How it Adds Description
Not all fathers have to be conventional. If the dad in your story sits outside of the norm, try describing them as “eccentric”. An “eccentric” dad may bring a sense of creativity, unpredictability, and unconventional thinking to his role as a parent, making him stand out from the crowd. This could be something that people in your story love or enjoy, or, especially in the case of their children, it could end up being cringeworthy!
3. Educator
Definition
Someone that teaches others.
Examples
“Her dad was more than just a parent, he was the most valued educator she had in her life, teaching her the wonders of nature that she never would have learned in a classroom.”
“His dad was a strict educator, making sure that every little thing he did met with his approval.”
How it Adds Description
Fathers and father figures can often be a source of learning, teaching their children about the world. This can go either one of two ways: either the dad helps their child and is nurturing as an “educator”, or becomes oppressive and strict, expecting their child to do exactly as they say. This helps your reader to understand more about the dynamics of the relationship between father and child more than just being a familial bond.
4. Empathetic
Definition
Being able to imagine how someone else feels.
Examples
“The empathetic father, with his compassionate nature and ability to truly understand and connect with his children’s emotions, provided a safe and supportive haven where they felt heard, valued, and understood.”
“The struggles of teenage life were not lost on her empathetic dad, who always found time to listen to her high school worries and woes as if he had been a student only yesterday.”
How it Adds Description
Rather than simply describing a dad in your story as being caring, try describing them as being “empathetic” instead. This develops your description to show that the father truly gets how their child is feeling. This creates a special connection between the pair for the reader, helping them to see how the character is truly understood by their father figure.
5. Encouraging
Definition
Making someone feel more confident and hopeful.
Examples
“The encouraging dad, with his unwavering belief in his children’s potential, inspired them to pursue their dreams no matter how big or small they may be.”
“The encouraging dad, with his uplifting spirit and knack for finding the silver lining in any situation, empowered his children to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and never shy away from going after their goals.”
How it Adds Description
If there is an “encouraging” dad in your story, it is likely that they play quite a pivotal role in your main character’s growth and development. This helps the reader to root for them and the way in which they foster a positive outlook in your main character, helping to add to the heartbreak should they suddenly be gone.
6. Entertaining
Definition
Funny and enjoyable.
Examples
“Their father was never short of entertaining, always regaling them with stories from his youth or jokes that were so bad that they made them cringe.”
“The entertaining dad brought a vibrant energy to the household, ensuring anyone who visited left with a smile on their face.”
How it Adds Description
Describing a dad as being “entertaining” shows their dynamic nature. Your reader can start to see that when this character is around, they are likely to get some laughs! Being “entertaining” can also foster a positive and engaging environment, where children feel happy, relaxed, and connected with their father.
7. Envious
Definition
Wanting what another person has.
Examples
“His envious father could not cope with his son’s success, leading him to succumb to seething resentment and spite.”
“The envious father, consumed by his longing for the success and achievements of others, inadvertently allowed jealousy to overshadow his ability to celebrate and support the accomplishments of his loved ones.”
How it Adds Description
Not all father-child relationships are supportive. Sometimes a parent may feel jealousy towards their children, especially if they end up more talented than they are. Describing a dad as “envious” helps you to show your reader the way that this emotion has consumed them, overtaking emotions of love and care.
8. Esteemed
Definition
Highly respected.
Examples
“The esteemed father, with his exceptional wisdom, unwavering integrity, and profound sense of responsibility, served as a role model to his family and the community at large.”
“She wondered if she would ever be able to meet the legacy left for her by her esteemed father; she always felt as though she was walking in his shadow.”
How it Adds Description
Describing a dad as “esteemed” emphasizes the high regard, admiration, and respect that he commands from his family and those around him. By highlighting this, it underscores the positive impact he has on his family and the significant influence he holds as a role model. This could be a good thing for your characters, or it could be seen as something intimidating, giving an impression to the reader that they feel inferior to their father.
9. Estranged
Definition
No longer close or friendly with someone or a group of people.
Examples
“Despite their best efforts, the family could not bridge the divide with their estranged father, as years of resentment and misunderstandings stood as an impenetrable barrier to re-establishing a connection.”
“Their estranged father, absent from his children’s lives for years, left behind a lingering sense of longing and unanswered questions, as the pair wondered how much they had taken after him as opposed to their mother.”
How it Adds Description
If a dad is not around in your story, the chances are he is “estranged”. This adds a sense of mystery for your reader, as they wonder what circumstances led to them not being around. This may create a sense of longing or be a pivotal point in your story for your characters, as they may wish to find out about their father.
10. Exacting
Definition
Demanding a lot of effort, care, or attention.
Examples
“The exacting father, with his unwavering standards and meticulous attention to detail, pushed his children to strive for excellence, demanding nothing less than their absolute best in every aspect of their lives.”
“Under the watchful eye of their exacting father, the children learned the value of discipline, precision, and a strong work ethic, as he held them to the highest standards, forcing them either to succeed or buckle under the pressure.”
How it Adds Description
Some dads want their children to succeed, but take it to extremes. These “exacting” dads hold the highest standards when it comes to their children, which could lead to rivalry and competition between your characters to see who can excel. On the other hand, this behavior may be incredibly overbearing, leaving your characters wishing to escape their father’s grasp.