Paternal Definition & Meaning
paternal
- adjective
- belonging to or inherited from one's father; "spent his childhood on the paternal farm"; "paternal traits"
- characteristic of a father
- relating to or characteristic of or befitting a parent; "parental guidance"
- related on the father's side; "a paternal aunt"
Words that rhyme with paternal
Usage tips for "paternal"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "paternal" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for paternal to find words that pair well.