maternal

[məˈtɜːrnəl]

maternal Definition

• 1. relating to a mother, especially during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth
• 2. showing 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

• motherly
• protective
• nurturing

Antonyms for maternal

• paternal
• unmaternal

Idioms Using maternal

• maternal grandmother

  the mother of one's mother

  Example

  My maternal grandmother taught me how to bake cookies.

• maternal mortality rate

  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.

• maternal love

  the love and affection shown by a mother towards her child

  Example

  Her maternal love for her children was evident in everything she did.

Phrases with maternal

• maternal mortality

  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.

• maternal leave

  a period of absence from work granted to a mother around the time of childbirth

  Example

  She took six months of maternal leave after giving birth to her child.

• maternal instinct

  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'

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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.