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Definition of "paternal" []

  • Relating to or characteristic of a father or fatherhood; fatherly. (adjective)
  • Received or inherited from a father: a paternal trait. (adjective)
  • Related through one's father: my paternal aunt. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "paternal" in a sentence
  • "The term paternal correction is also applied to it."
  • "The word paternal is gender neutral, or may be used for the male guardian, but it primarily relates to or is characteristic of befitting a parent."
  • "“Just so,” said Mr Low — only that what you call a paternal government is not always quiet and orderly."