Paternal

/pəˈtɜrnəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Relating to a father or fatherhood.

He inherited his paternal traits, including his eye color and height.

Coming from or characteristic of a father.

Her paternal side of the family has a long history in the military.

Relating to or derived from a father.

They shared a strong paternal bond that was evident in their interactions.

Late Middle English: from Latin paternalis, from pater, patr- 'father'.

paternal rights

Legal rights of a father regarding his children.

paternal instinct

Innate tendency of a father to care for and protect his children.

paternal figure

A man who acts as a father, often providing support or guidance.

paternity

The state of being a father.

patriarch

The male head of a family or tribe.

patrilineal

Inheritance or descent through the father's line.