paternal

pa·ter·nal

adj \pə-ˈtər-n^əl\

Definition of PATERNAL

1

a : of or relating to a father b : like that of a father <paternal benevolence>

2

: received or inherited from one's male parent

3

: related through one's father <paternal grandfather>

— pa·ter·nal·ly \-n^əl-ē\ adverb

Examples of PATERNAL

1. He did not neglect his paternal responsibilities after the divorce.

Origin of PATERNAL

Middle English, from Late Latin paternalis, from Latin paternus paternal, from pater

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with PATERNAL

diurnal, eternal, external, fraternal, hibernal, infernal, internal, maternal, nocturnal, supernal