adjective
maternal
muh-TUR-nuhl/məˈtɜːrnl/
Of a mother and her relationship to a child.
A strong maternal bond grows as she cares for her baby.
Etymology
Latin maternus already meant “of a mother.” Maternal preserves that relationship, covering both things connected with motherhood and qualities regarded as characteristic of mothers.
In context
Tommy's mother protects her fawn, not yet a single day old. The maternal instinct is strong defense indeed.
More examples
- The clinic supports maternal health during and after pregnancy.
- My maternal grandmother is my mother's mother.
- She shows maternal warmth toward every child in her classroom.
Forms
maternal
maternity noun — The state of being a mother.
maternally adverb — In a caring or motherly way.
Similar words
- motherly
- Emphasizes a mother's caring qualities rather than biological relationships.
- parental
- Relates to either parent, not specifically to a mother.