dictionary.ptpaternaladjectivegeneral usecommon/pɐ.tɨɾˈnaɫ/pa·ter·nalPortuguêsEnglishEspañolFrançaisDefinition1Relating to or characteristic of a father; fatherly.Usage examples“He felt a strong paternal instinct towards his nephew.”“Her boss's attitude was somewhat paternal and overbearing.”SynonymsfatherlyAntonymsmaternalCommon combinationspaternal instinctpaternal lovepaternal authority
Relating to or characteristic of a father; fatherly.Usage examples“He felt a strong paternal instinct towards his nephew.”“Her boss's attitude was somewhat paternal and overbearing.”SynonymsfatherlyAntonymsmaternalCommon combinationspaternal instinctpaternal lovepaternal authority