All words
word

Paternal

Puh-TUR-nuhl

/pʌˈtɜːrnʌl/

Listen

Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.

Syllable breakdown

paternal

Dictionary meaning

Relating to or characteristic of or befitting a parent.

Examples

  • A paternal aunt.
  • We spent our childhood on the paternal farm.

Synonyms: parental

People also look up

Ephemeral

ih-FEM-er-ul

Mellifluous

muh-LIF-loo-us

Perspicacious

pur-spi-KAY-shus

Obsequious

uhb-SEE-kwee-us

Learn one new pronunciation a day

Get a word, name or idiom like “Paternal” in your inbox — daily or weekly, free. Unsubscribe any time.

Something wrong? Suggest a correction