In common usage, a child becomes an orphan by losing both parents due to death.
Understanding the Definition of an Orphan
The term "orphan" has a specific meaning, particularly when referring to humans. Based on common usage:
- A child is typically considered an orphan only if they have lost both their mother and their father.
- This loss must be due to the death of both parents.
This definition is crucial as it distinguishes the term from other situations where a child might not be living with one or both parents (e.g., due to abandonment, separation, or parental incarceration).
Key Criteria for a Child to be an Orphan
For a child to be classified as an orphan in the common sense, the following conditions must be met:
- The child must have lost their mother.
- The child must also have lost their father.
- The loss of both parents must be a result of death.
| Condition | Orphan Status (Common Usage) |
|---|---|
| Loss of Mother (due to death) Only | No |
| Loss of Father (due to death) Only | No |
| Loss of Both Parents (due to death) | Yes |
Orphan Definition for Animals
It's worth noting that the definition can differ when applied to animals. As the reference states:
- When referring to animals, only the mother's condition is usually relevant.
- If the female parent has gone (often implying death or permanent absence), the offspring is considered an orphan, regardless of the father's condition.
This highlights that the human definition, requiring the loss of both parents due to death, is a specific standard used in common language.
Therefore, for a child (human) to be called an orphan, both their mother and father must have passed away.
