French Conversation · Level 106
60 words
French word
paternel
Pronunciation
IPA/patɛʁnɛl/
Meaning
- adjectivepaternal
Example
Il assume ses devoirs paternels envers ses enfants.
He fulfills his paternal duties toward his children.
More examples
Son instinct paternel le pousse à protéger ses enfants.
His paternal instinct drives him to protect his children.
Core concept
A link to a father, fatherhood, or the father's side of a family.
Common phrases
amour paternel
paternal love
instinct paternel
paternal instinct
Similar words
parental: Relating to a parent's role or position.
maternel: Relating to a mother or showing the qualities of motherhood.
Definition in French
Relatif au père, à la paternité ou à la lignée paternelle.
Word origin
French paternel continues Medieval Latin paternalis, derived from Latin pater, 'father', with its modern form shaped through Old French.
Usage tips
- Paternel is an adjective, while père is the ordinary noun for a father; paternel describes a quality, relation, or family line.