mother's worry

[ˈmʌðərz ˈwʌri]
noun phrasepl: mothers' worries
preocupação materna
1. The anxiety and concern that a mother experiences regarding the well-being, safety, or future of her child or children
A mother's worry never truly ends, even when her children become adults.
A preocupação materna nunca termina de verdade, mesmo quando os filhos se tornam adultos.
2. A common theme in literature and culture representing maternal anxiety and protective instinct
The novel explores a mother's worry about her daughter's happiness in marriage.
O romance explora a preocupação materna sobre a felicidade da filha no casamento.
3. Everyday concerns mothers have about health, safety, education, and social matters affecting their children
Every mother's worry includes concern about her child's nutrition and safety.
Toda preocupação materna inclui inquietação sobre a nutrição e segurança da criança.
Mother's worry is a deeply rooted cultural theme in both Brazilian and American societies, reflecting universal maternal instinct and protectiveness. It's frequently referenced in family discourse, literature, and media as a symbol of unconditional love and dedication. In Brazil, the figure of the caring, worried mother ('mãe preocupada') holds significant cultural importance in family structure and identity.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
maternal concernmaternal anxietymotherly concernparental worry
Antonyms / Antônimos
maternal indifferenceparental neglect

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
preocupação materna
Standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
preocupação da mãe
More colloquial, direct phrasing
São Paulo
ansiedade materna
More formal, medical/psychological contexts
Portugal
preocupação materna
Same as Brazilian Portuguese, standard usage

Related Words

motherhoodmaternal instinctparental responsibilitychild welfareprotective love

Related Idioms & Phrases

a mother's love knows no bounds
mother knows best
worried sick
lose sleep over something
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