paternity

[puh-tur-ni-tee]

noun

1. the state of being a father; fatherhood.

2. derivation or acquirement from a father.

3. origin or authorship.

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to a legal dispute in which an unwed mother accuses a man of being the father of her child.

   a paternity suit.

paternity

/ pəˈtɜːnɪtɪ /

noun

1. 1. the fact or state of being a father

   2. ( as modifier )

      a paternity suit was filed against the man

2. descent or derivation from a father

3. authorship or origin

   the paternity of the theory is disputed

Word History and Origins

Origin of paternity¹

1400–50; late Middle English paternite < Late Latin paternitās. See paternal, -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of paternity¹

C15: from Late Latin paternitās, from Latin pater father

Example Sentences

It's the first time paternity has been proved in this way in a UK court.

From BBC

Parents who do not work might still be eligible for 30 hours of free childcare if their partner works, or they receive some benefits - for example if they are on maternity or paternity leave.

From BBC

Opener Phil Salt also returns after he missed the West Indies series at the beginning of the summer for paternity leave.

From BBC

As Goldin notes, Japan also has extensive coverage for fertility care and more than 30 weeks of paid paternity leave, but its birth rates remain among the lowest.

From Salon

The jury heard she had faked a paternity test during her pregnancy to try and fool Mr Wheeler into believing he was the father.

From BBC

Related Words

• ancestry 
• birth 
• descent 
• lineage