The Opposite(Antonym) of “nonmaternal”
The antonyms of nonmaternal are maternal, motherly, and matriarchal. These words describe the opposite of nonmaternal, which means not related to or characteristic of a mother.
Explore all Antonyms of “nonmaternal”
Definitions and Examples of maternal, motherly, matriarchal
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Related to or characteristic of a mother; motherly.
Example
She had a maternal instinct to protect her children from harm.
Having qualities associated with a mother, such as warmth, nurturing, and affection.
Example
The teacher had a motherly approach to teaching and was loved by all her students.
Relating to or denoting a social system in which women hold the primary power and roles of leadership.
Example
The tribe had a matriarchal society where women were the decision-makers and leaders.
Key Differences: maternal vs motherly vs matriarchal
- 1Maternal and motherly both describe qualities associated with a mother, but maternal is more formal and can also refer to biological motherhood, while motherly is more informal and focuses on nurturing qualities.
- 2Matriarchal describes a social system where women hold the primary power and roles of leadership, while the other two antonyms describe individual qualities.
Effective Usage of maternal, motherly, matriarchal
- 1Family Relationships: Use maternal and motherly to describe positive qualities of a mother figure.
- 2Sociology: Use matriarchal to describe societies where women hold the primary power and roles of leadership.
- 3Gender Studies: Use these antonyms to discuss gender roles and stereotypes in different cultures and societies.
Remember this!
The antonyms of nonmaternal describe qualities associated with a mother. Maternal is more formal and can also refer to biological motherhood, while motherly is more informal and focuses on nurturing qualities. Matriarchal describes a social system where women hold the primary power and roles of leadership. These antonyms can be used in family relationships, sociology, and gender studies discussions.
