C1adjectiveformalrelationships
US/pəˈtɜːr.nəl/
UK/pəˈtɜː.nəl/
relating to a father, or to your father's side of the family
In context
My paternal grandparents live in Nam Dinh, near my father's old school.
The old coach had a paternal attitude towards his young players.
She inherited her paternal grandmother's gift for cooking.
Words that go with paternal
adjective + noun
- paternal grandmotherMy paternal grandmother taught me how to make spring rolls.
- paternal grandfatherHis paternal grandfather fought in the war.
- paternal sideOn my paternal side, almost everyone is a doctor.
- paternal relativesWe spend Tet with my paternal relatives in the countryside.
- paternal uncleMy paternal uncle runs a small hotel in Hue.
- paternal instinctHolding his newborn son, he felt a strong paternal instinct.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
My company gives fathers two weeks of paternal leave.Correct: My company gives fathers two weeks of paternity leave.