paternal

[puh-tur-nl]

adjective

1. characteristic of or befitting a father; fatherly.

   a kind and paternal reprimand.

2. of or relating to a father.

3. related on the father's side.

   one's paternal grandfather.

4. derived or inherited from a father.

   paternal traits.

paternal

/ pəˈtɜːnəl /

adjective

1. relating to or characteristic of a father, esp in showing affection, encouragement, etc; fatherly

2. (prenominal) related through the father

   his paternal grandfather

3. inherited or derived from the male parent

Other Word Forms

• paternally adverb
• nonpaternal adjective
• nonpaternally adverb
• unpaternal adjective
• unpaternally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of paternal¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Old French paternel, from Late Latin paternālis, equivalent to Latin patern(us) “paternal” ( pater father + -nus adjective suffix) + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of paternal¹

C17: from Late Latin paternālis, from Latin pater father

Synonym Study

See fatherly.

Example Sentences

King said he grew up with a family story that his father's biological father - King's apparent paternal grandfather - was a man named Elvin Hunt, who was part Cherokee.

Read more on BBC

“He exemplifies profound paternal investment, fostering their potential amid global challenges, surpassing most historical figures in active involvement despite scale,” the AI chatbot wrote.

Read more on Salon

Melodee’s paternal family said that Buzzard has not permitted them to contact the girl since 2021 and that they are extremely concerned for her.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Mr Archer said he knew his father was aware he had a son called Oliver, and had a picture of his paternal grandmother holding him as a baby.

Read more on BBC

That is, until she gets a taste of Belgian white chocolate, brought to Japan during a visit from her paternal grandmother.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• benevolent