maternal

• Relatif à la mère, en particulier pendant la grossesse ou peu après l'accouchement ; qui évoque ou convient à une mère, ou qui en a la sollicitude.

Relating to a mother, especially during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth.

1. Motherly or nurturingB2formal

   Having qualities typical of a mother, such as care, affection, and protectiveness.

   Maternel, maternelle

   • She showed a maternal instinct when caring for the injured bird.
   • His maternal warmth made everyone feel comfortable.
   • The nurse had a gentle, maternal manner with the children.

   Synonymesaffectionatecaringmaternalisticmotherlikemotherlyprotective

   Antonymesfatherlypaternal

2. Related through motherB2formal

   Relating to or derived from one's mother, especially in terms of family lineage.

   maternel (côté maternel)

   • Her maternal grandmother lives in Spain.
   • He inherited the property from his maternal side of the family.
   • The maternal line of descent can be traced back several centuries.

   Synonymesenaticmatrilineal

   Antonymespaternal

3. Parental or protectiveB2formal

   Relating to or characteristic of a parent, especially in a caring or protective role.

   Parental ou protecteur

   • The teacher had a maternal attitude towards her students.
   • His maternal instincts kicked in when he saw the lost puppy.
   • She provided maternal care to the orphaned children.

   Synonymescaringmaternalisticmotherlyparentalprotective

   Antonymesfatherlypaternal