Spanish word

maternal

Pronunciation

IPA/mateɾˈnal/

Meaning

  • adjectivematernal

Example

El instinto maternal protege al bebé.

The maternal instinct protects the baby.

Illustration for maternal (maternal)

More examples

La mirada maternal de la abuela calmó al niño.

The grandmother's maternal gaze calmed the child.

Core concept

Relation to the mother, biological or emotional.

Common phrases

  • amor maternal

    maternal love

  • cuidado maternal

    maternal care

  • voz maternal

    maternal voice

Similar words

materno: Markers of maternal origin or kinship indicating relation through the mother.
paterno: Markers of paternal origin or kinship indicating relation through the father.

Definition in Spanish

Relacionado con la madre en sentido biológico, afectivo o familiar.

Word origin

Comes from Latin maternalis (mater 'mother' + -alis) via medieval Romance and means 'pertaining to a mother'.

Usage tips

  • Although maternal and materno overlap, materno frequently marks descent or 'on the mother's side' whereas maternal usually describes instincts, roles, or care.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word