maternal
word
Definition
Relating to a mother or motherhood, or showing qualities associated with a mother such as care and protection.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as 'maternal instinct', 'maternal side (of the family)', or 'maternal leave'. Refers specifically to mothers, not just any parent. Not to be confused with 'paternal' (relating to fathers).
Spanish: maternalPortuguese (BR): maternoPortuguese (PT): maternoChinese (Simplified): 母亲的 - 母性的Chinese (Traditional): 母親的 - 母性的Hindi: मातृ (मातृसुलभ)Arabic: أُمومي - من جهة الأمBengali: মাতৃ - মাতৃসুলভRussian: материнскийJapanese: 母性の - 母方のVietnamese: mẫu (liên quan tới mẹ) - thuộc về mẹKorean: 모성의 - 어머니 쪽의Turkish: annelik - anneye aitUrdu: ماں کا - ماں سے متعلقIndonesian: keibuan - dari pihak ibu
Example Sentences
She has a strong maternal instinct.
basic
My maternal grandmother lives in Spain.
basic
She took maternal leave after her baby was born.
basic
She speaks to everyone with a maternal warmth.
natural
They share the same maternal last name.
natural
Her maternal advice always makes me feel better.
natural