maternal
6 synonyms and 1 antonym for maternal, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Relating to a mother, or having the caring, protective qualities associated with a mother.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use maternal
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
maternal instinct
maternal grandmother
maternal love
Etymology
From Latin māternus, "of a mother," from māter, "mother."
Full origin of maternal →Frequently asked questions
What does “maternal” mean?
The word “maternal” means relating to a mother, or having the caring, protective qualities associated with a mother. In plain terms, relating to a mother, mother-like, or coming from the mother's side of the family.
How do you pronounce “maternal”?
“Maternal” is pronounced muh-TUR-nuhl (/məˈtɝnəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “maternal” in a sentence?
Here is “maternal” used in a sentence: “She felt a sudden maternal urge to protect the younger children.”
What part of speech is “maternal”?
“Maternal” is an adjective.
Where does the word “maternal” come from?
The word “maternal” comes from Latin. From Latin māternus, "of a mother," from māter, "mother.".
Is “maternal” a common word?
“Maternal” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “maternal” have?
“Maternal” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to a mother, or having the caring, protective qualities associated with a mother.
What is the difference between maternal and paternal?
Maternal relates to a mother or the mother's side of the family, while paternal relates to a father or the father's side. For example, a maternal grandmother is the mother's mother, whereas a paternal grandmother is the father's mother.
Can maternal describe behavior rather than a family relationship?
Yes, maternal can describe caring, protective qualities associated with mothers even when no biological relationship is involved, such as a maternal instinct toward a friend's child. This figurative use focuses on nurturing behavior rather than literal motherhood.
