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maternal

Pronunciation: [məˈtɜrnəl]

Word

Learn how to use maternal in a sentence: 6 audio examples across 2 meanings.

Context: “relationship”

(adjective) related to being a mother or having qualities like a mother. It describes feelings, behaviors, or things that show love, care, or support like a mother would.

Example

Her maternal instincts kicked in when she saw the baby crying.

Example

He did not show any maternal feelings towards the children in the group.

Example

What are some maternal traits that you admire in your mother?

Context: “biological”

(adjective) connected to the mother in terms of birth and family. It means things that come from the mother's side of the family.

Example

She inherited her maternal grandmother's green eyes.

Example

His paternal traits are much stronger than any maternal ones.

Example

Can you tell me about your maternal family members?

How to pronounce maternal

Pronunciation: [məˈtɜrnəl]

Listen and repeat as many times as you need.

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