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Definition of maternally

maternally

/məˈtɜːrnəli/
ma · ter · nal · ly
Adjective:maternal
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maternally Lexical Profile

maternally Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a manner characteristic of a caring, protective, or loving mother.

Example

"The senior nurse smiled maternally at the frightened young patient and held his hand."

2

Through or by way of one's mother or the female line of descent.

Example

"Mitochondrial DNA is inherited exclusively maternally from mother to offspring."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for maternally

• Nearby Words

materially
maternal
maternalistic
maternally
maternity
matey
math

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the adjective 'maternal' and the adverbial suffix '-ly', with 'maternal' deriving via Middle French from Latin 'maternus' ('of a mother'), from 'mater' ('mother').

Cite this Entry

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