Definition of paternal

paternaladjective

cha đẻ

/pəˈtɜːnl//pəˈtɜːrnl/

The word "paternal" originates from the Latin word "pater," meaning "father." This Latin word is also the source of the English word "father." In Latin, the adjective "paternalis" was formed to mean "of or pertained to a father" or "pertaining to a father's family or lineage." This adjective was later borrowed into Middle English as "paternall," and eventually evolved into the modern English word "paternal." In its original sense, "paternal" refers to something that is related to a father or a father's family, such as "paternal instincts" or "paternal guidance." Over time, the meaning of the word has expanded to include broader connotations related to authority, responsibility, and nurturing. Today, "paternal" is used to describe behaviors and attitudes that are characteristic of a father or a father figure.

namespace

connected with being a father; typical of a kind father

liên quan đến việc làm cha; điển hình của một người cha tốt bụng

Example:
  • paternal love

    tình yêu của cha

  • He gave me a piece of paternal advice.

    Ông đã cho tôi một lời khuyên của người cha.

  • Her weakness made him feel very paternal towards her.

    Sự yếu đuối của cô khiến anh cảm thấy mình như một người cha.

related through the father’s side of the family

có quan hệ qua phía gia đình bên cha

Example:
  • my paternal grandmother (= my father’s mother)

    bà nội của tôi (= mẹ của bố tôi)

Related words and phrases