maternal Definition
- 1relating to a mother, especially during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth
- 2showing the kindness and care associated with a mother; motherly
Using maternal: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "maternal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She received maternal care from her midwife.
Example
The maternal instinct is strong in many animals.
Example
The teacher had a maternal approach to her students.
Example
She has a very close and maternal relationship with her daughter.
maternal Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for maternal
Antonyms for maternal
Idioms Using maternal
the mother of one's mother
Example
My maternal grandmother taught me how to bake cookies.
the number of women who die as a result of pregnancy or childbirth per 100,000 live births
Example
The maternal mortality rate in that country is alarmingly high.
Example
Her maternal love for her children was evident in everything she did.
Phrases with maternal
the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes
Example
Maternal mortality rates have decreased significantly over the past few decades.
Example
She took six months of maternal leave after giving birth to her child.
a natural tendency to protect and care for one's offspring, often associated with mothers
Example
The maternal instinct is strong in many animals, driving them to fiercely protect their young.
Origins of maternal
from Latin 'mater', meaning 'mother'
Summary: maternal in Brief
'Maternal' [məˈtɜːrnəl] refers to things related to mothers, especially during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. It can also describe someone who shows kindness and care like a mother. Examples include 'She received maternal care from her midwife.' and 'The teacher had a maternal approach to her students.' Phrases like 'maternal instinct' and idioms like 'maternal love' further illustrate the concept of motherhood.