maternal

[məˈtɜːrnəl]

adjective

materno

1. relating to or characteristic of a mother

She felt a strong maternal instinct when she held the baby.

Ela sentiu um forte instinto materno ao segurar o bebê.

2. relating to the mother's side of a family

My maternal grandmother was born in Portugal.

Minha avó materna nasceu em Portugal.

3. showing the caring qualities associated with motherhood

She spoke to him in a maternal tone of voice.

Ela falou com ele num tom materno.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

materno

standard usage across Brazil

Portugal

materno

standard usage in Portuguese Portuguese

maternal instinct

maternal love

maternal care

maternal bond

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