maternal

Definitions

Relating to, characteristic of, or befitting a mother.

Related through a mother's side of the family.

Showing the protective or affectionate qualities associated with a mother.

Examples

She felt a strong maternal instinct to protect the abandoned kitten.

The grandmother offered maternal advice that helped the young woman navigate her new career.

Synonyms

motherly nurturing maternalistic protective caring affectionate

Antonyms

paternal unmotherly uncaring cold indifferent neglectful aloof