What does “It takes a village to raise a child” mean?
"It takes a village to raise a child" means that it requires the effort and support of many people to properly raise and care for a child.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Raising a child is not a task that can be done alone, it truly takes a village.
Example
We believe in the saying that it takes a village to raise a child, so we involve our extended family and friends in our child's upbringing.
Example
In our community, everyone understands that it takes a village to raise a child, so we all pitch in to support each other's kids
Is “It takes a village to raise a child” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“It takes a village to raise a child” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “It takes a village to raise a child” effectively in context?
You can use "It takes a village to raise a child" to emphasize the idea that raising a child requires the involvement and support of many people, not just the parents. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:
- 1Parenting
When discussing parenting challenges, you can say, 'Raising a child is not a task that can be done alone, it truly takes a village.'
- 2Family and Friends
When explaining your approach to child-rearing, you might say, 'We believe in the saying that it takes a village to raise a child, so we involve our extended family and friends in our child's upbringing.'
- 3Community Support
When describing the supportive nature of your community, you could mention, 'In our community, everyone understands that it takes a village to raise a child, so we all pitch in to support each other's kids.'
Similar phrases to “It takes a village to raise a child”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “It takes a village to raise a child” come from?
The origin of the phrase "It takes a village to raise a child" can be traced back to an African proverb. This proverb emphasizes the idea that raising a child is not solely the responsibility of the parents, but rather the entire community. It highlights the importance of collective effort and support in ensuring the well-being and development of a child.
Is “It takes a village to raise a child” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "It takes a village to raise a child" is a well-known and frequently used proverb in everyday conversation. It is often used to express the idea that raising a child requires the collective effort and support of the community.
What tone does “It takes a village to raise a child” have?
"It takes a village to raise a child" conveys a tone of collaboration and community. It emphasizes the importance of working together and supporting one another in the upbringing of a child.
Can “It takes a village to raise a child” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "It takes a village to raise a child" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that highlights the shared responsibility of raising a child. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal discussions or presentations about parenting and community involvement.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Raising a child is challenging, but remember, "it takes a village to raise a child".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "it takes a village"!' to imply the need for collective support in child-rearing.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- collaboration is key
- shared responsibility
- collective effort
- teamwork in parenting
- community involvement
Antonyms
- individual responsibility
- sole parenting
- isolation in child-rearing
- independent upbringing
