What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maternity
Example
She is currently on maternity leave from her job. [maternity: noun]
Example
The store sells a variety of maternity clothes for expectant mothers. [maternity: adjective]
motherhood
Example
She embraced motherhood with open arms and loved every moment of it. [motherhood: noun]
Example
Motherhood can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. [motherhood: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Motherhood is more commonly used than maternity in everyday language. Motherhood is a versatile term that covers a wide range of experiences related to raising children, while maternity is more specific and is often used in formal or medical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between maternity and motherhood?
Maternity is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, while motherhood is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
