# paternal

/pəˈtɝnəɫ/ (US) · /pətˈɜːnəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/paternal
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

related to being a father or coming from the father's side of the family.

For teachers: relating to or characteristic of a father; inherited from or related through the male parent.

## Examples

- He felt a paternal urge to protect his younger brother.
- She spent every summer visiting her paternal grandparents at their farm in the countryside.
- The manager took a paternal interest in his employees' careers, often offering personal advice that went far beyond the requirements of their professional contracts.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; often contrasted with 'maternal'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.