What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maternity
Example
She is on maternity leave until next month. [maternity: noun]
Example
The store sells a variety of maternity clothes for expectant mothers. [maternity: adjective]
childbearing
Example
The doctor discussed the risks associated with childbearing at her age. [childbearing: noun]
Example
The couple was concerned about their fertility and ability to engage in childbearing. [childbearing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Maternity is more commonly used than childbearing in everyday language, especially in the context of clothing and leave from work. Childbearing is more often used in medical or health contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between maternity and childbearing?
Both maternity and childbearing can be used in formal and informal contexts, but childbearing may have a more technical or clinical connotation, making it more appropriate for formal or academic writing.
