adjective
paternal
puh-TUR-nul/pəˈtɜːrnl/
Relating to a father or his side of the family.
The father's paternal care shows as he cradles and feeds his infant.
Etymology
The base already meant “of a father” or “fatherly.” Paternal expresses that relationship, whether something concerns a father, shows fatherly qualities, or is inherited from him.
In context
Kings are parents. The paternal power ceases with the incapacity of the child, and the father injures his child, if he pretends to retain his right beyond this period.
More examples
- He takes his paternal responsibilities seriously.
- We trace our paternal ancestry to a small town in Maine.
- The coach offers paternal advice to the younger players.
Forms
paternal
paternally adverb — In a fatherly manner; through the father's side.
paternity noun — The state of being a father.
Similar words
- fatherly
- Emphasizes a father's caring manner rather than family ancestry.
- patrilineal
- Specifically describes descent or inheritance through the male line.