French Conversation · Level 102
60 words
French word
maternel
Pronunciation
IPA/matɛʁnɛl/
Meaning
- adjectivematernal
Example
Il a un côté maternel.
He has a maternal side.
More examples
Elle montre un amour maternel pour son chien.
She shows maternal love for her dog.
Core concept
A protective, caring presence that watches over others with a mother's attentiveness.
Common phrases
amour maternel
maternal love
comportement maternel
maternal behavior
côté maternel
maternal side
Similar words
protecteur: Seeking to keep someone safe from danger or harm.
attentionné: Attentive to another person's small needs and feelings.
tendre: Expressing gentle, warm, and kind feelings.
affectueux: Showing affection openly through warmth and loving care.
Definition in French
Qui manifeste des soins, de la protection ou de la sollicitude propres à une mère.
Word origin
The adjective maternel is inherited from Latin maternus, which derives from mater, meaning "mother," and preserves the same association with maternal qualities.
Usage tips
- Maternel can describe a man, as in Il est maternel, while une maternelle commonly means a nursery school in educational contexts.