Search Dictionary
Definition of paternal

paternal

/pəˈtɜːrnəl/
pa · ter · nal
Adverb:paternally
JUMP TO:

paternal Lexical Profile

paternal Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Of, relating to, or characteristic of a father or fatherhood; showing fatherly care, warmth, or authority.

Example

"The veteran mentor took a paternal interest in guiding the young apprentices through their first year."

2

Related through or inherited from one's father rather than one's mother.

Example

"She spent the summer digitizing old photographs that belonged to her paternal grandparents."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for paternal
Antonyms
View all antonyms for paternal

• Rhymes for paternal

• Nearby Words

patentable
patented
patently
paternal
paternalism
paternalistic
paternally

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Late Latin paternalis, which derives from Classical Latin pater ('father'), sharing an ancient Indo-European root with the English word 'father'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Paternal. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/paternal
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.