What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maternal
Example
Her maternal instincts kicked in when she saw the baby crying. [maternal: adjective]
Example
The maternal bond between a mother and her child is unbreakable. [maternal: noun]
motherly
Example
She gave me a motherly hug when I was feeling down. [motherly: adjective]
Example
Her motherly advice always helps me make the right decision. [motherly: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Motherly is more commonly used than maternal in everyday language, especially in informal or personal contexts. Maternal is more specialized and often used in formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between maternal and motherly?
Maternal is more formal and objective, while motherly is more informal and subjective. Both words can be used in different formality levels depending on the context and tone of the sentence.
