paternal

Everyday

1. Like a father or to do with being a father: caring and protective. tree →
2. Related through your father: "my paternal grandmother" is your father's mother. tree →

In the lessons

In family trees, paternal relatives are on your father's side; maternal relatives are on your mother's side. In science, some animals show paternal care, like male seahorses carrying the eggs. In stories, a paternal teacher or king cares for others like a father.

Examples

• My paternal grandparents live in Scotland. tree →
• Male seahorses show amazing paternal care. tree →
• The old captain had a paternal feeling for his young crew. tree →
• Paternal leave lets dads stay at home with a new baby. tree →
• My paternal aunt is my dad's sister. tree →
• Emperor penguin fathers are very paternal; they keep the egg warm. tree →
• As the father of men, he takes a paternal interest in the actions and well-being of mortals. tree →

Note

Opposite side: maternal (mother's side). Noun: paternity (being a father; paternity leave). Paternal is an adjective; you cannot say "a paternal" as a noun.