‖Ntate, noun
- Origin:
- Sotho
1. A respectful mode of address to an older man.
1948 E. Rosenthal Afr. Switzerland 198‘Ntate,’ observed the official. ‘I remember you came last month for a stamp.’
2. Used as a respectful title, either standing alone or before a name.
1974 M. Mutloatse in S. Gray On Edge of World 111And over there Ntate Moruti was praying unnoticed: ‘Modimo, forgive them, for they know not...’
1993 City Press 12 Dec. 15‘It was always Frank’s wish to be laid to rest in the land of his birth, and with the generous help of Ntate and Mme’ — as she called the Fines — ‘his wish became reality.’
3. As a common noun: an older man.
1975 M. Mutloatse in Bolt No.12, 17A carelessly-bearded ntate of about 40 going on for 60 and pretending to be 30 shook the commuters with a hail of laughter.
father.
A respectful mode of address to an older man.
Used as a respectful title, either standing alone or before a name.
an older man.
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