Paternity Definition & Meaning

paternity
noun
  1. the state of being a father; "tests were conducted to determine paternity"
  2. the kinship relation between an offspring and the father
  3. the act of initiating a new idea or theory or writing; "the authorship of the theory is disputed"

"Paternity" in song lyrics

See how paternity is used in real songs:

  • "We need a DNA test to determine paternity"
    Jeru the Damaja — Billie Jean (Safe Sex)
  • "acknowledgement of paternity"
    AOL — AOL
  • "acknowledgment of paternity"
    AOL — AOL

Usage tips for "paternity"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "paternity" 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 paternity to find words that pair well.

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