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Definition of maternalistic

maternalistic

/məˌtɜːrnəˈlɪstɪk/
ma · ter · nal · is · tic
Adverb:maternalistically
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maternalistic Lexical Profile

maternalistic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to or characterized by maternalism, especially social or political policies that emphasize the protective, nurturing role of mothers and women in society.

Example

"Early twentieth-century reformers advocated for maternalistic welfare programs designed to support mothers and young children."

2

Displaying an overly protective, controlling, or condescendingly motherly attitude toward others.

Example

"The employees resented the manager's maternalistic supervision, feeling that it undermined their professional autonomy."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

While 'maternal' neutrally or warmly describes motherly care and kinship, 'maternalistic' often refers to social policies centered on motherhood or carries a critical undertone of overprotective, condescending authority.

• Rhymes for maternalistic

• Nearby Words

materialize
materially
maternal
maternalistic
maternally
maternity
matey

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in English from 'maternalism' (which derives from Latin 'maternus', meaning 'of a mother', from 'mater', 'mother') combined with the adjective-forming suffix '-ic'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Maternalistic. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/maternalistic
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