noun
paternity
puh-TUR-nuh-tee/pəˈtɜːrnəti/
The state of being a father.
The father's paternity brings him a tender bond with the newborn he cradles.
Etymology
The pieces express the condition of being a father. In the legal sense, that condition is the father–child relationship whose existence is being established.
In context
took paternity leave when his wife gave birth to their first child
More examples
- The court requires proof of paternity before ordering child support.
- His employer offers six weeks of paid paternity leave.
- She names him as the father, but he denies paternity.
Forms
paternity
paternal adjective — Relating to a father or fatherhood.
Similar words
- fatherhood
- More often emphasizes the experience and responsibilities of being a father.
- parenthood
- Includes being either a father or a mother.