maternal
Translation
maternal, motherly
Examples
She has strong maternal instincts.
She has strong maternal instincts.
He visited his maternal grandparents.
He visited his maternal grandparents.
Grammar Patterns
maternal ((noun)) relating to a mother She has strong maternal instincts.
Similar Words
Synonyms: motherly; Antonyms: paternal
Etymology
From Latin `maternus`, which comes from `mater` ('mother').
Memory Tips
'Maternal' sounds like 'mater', the Latin word for mother. Think of a 'maternity ward' in a hospital.