What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maternality
Example
The maternality of her behavior was evident in the way she cared for her children. [maternality: noun]
Example
The experience of childbirth brought out a sense of maternality in her that she had never felt before. [maternality: noun]
motherliness
Example
Her motherliness was evident in the way she comforted her child when they were upset. [motherliness: noun]
Example
She showed her motherliness by always putting her children's needs before her own. [motherliness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Motherliness is more commonly used than maternality in everyday language, and is more versatile in terms of usage and connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between maternality and motherliness?
Maternality is more formal than motherliness, which is more commonly used in informal contexts and has a warmer and more personal connotation.