maternal

see definition of maternal

adjmotherly

Synonyms for maternal

adj motherly

Antonyms for maternal

paternal

distaff

adjective. feminine

female

adjective. having the qualities or characteristics of a woman

hereditary

adjective. inherited; transmitted at birth

motherly

adjective. caring

parental

adjective. having the quality or nature of a parent

Word Origin & History

late 15c., from Old French maternel (14c.), from Vulgar Latin *maternalis, from Latin maternus "maternal, of a mother," from mater "mother" (see mother (n.1)).

Example Sentences formaternal

Mary was, in many things, a child; but her attitude had grown to be maternal.

But Mary, regardless of maternal cacklings, sped after the doctor as he turned his horse.

I have always thought that her affection for her father was less filial than maternal.

Could the Madonna, who was so maternal, desire the woe of lovers?

Unlike most maternal peoples, these, the Zuñi Indians, are monogamists.

It is directed and administered by the maternal uncle or the eldest brother.

The embryo is then ready to separate from the maternal body (Fig. 22).

The term matriarchy is given to denomination after the maternal side.

Innateness: no resemblance to her mother or forerunners on the maternal side.

Paternal grossness was attenuated by the maternal influence.