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A father is defined as a male parent of any type of offspring. The adjective "paternal" refers to father, parallel to "maternal" for mother. The verb "to father" means to procreate or to sire a child from which also derives the gerund "fathering". The father–child relationship is the defining factor of the fatherhood role in life. A "dad" does not always have to be a child's biological father. Some children refer to their stepfathers as their fat her. Stepfathers are not the biological fathers. When the biological father dies, or divorces, the mother may marry a second one who becomes the stepfather of the child. A father is known as a man who exercises paternal care over other people. Most fathers are naturally protective, supportive, and responsible and are able to provide a number of significant benefits to themselves, their communities, and their children.