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Maternal vs Unmaternal - What's the difference?

maternal | unmaternal |

As adjectives the difference between maternal and unmaternal

is that maternal is of or pertaining to a mother; having the characteristics of a mother, motherly while unmaternal is not maternal; not befitting a mother.

maternal

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Of or pertaining to a mother; having the characteristics of a mother, motherly.
    • His weakness seemed to bring out her maternal instincts.
  • Related through the mother, or her side of the family.
    • Toby is my maternal uncle.
  • (anatomy, medicine) Derived from the mother as opposed to the foetus during pregnancy.

    • Derived terms

    * maternal aunt * maternal cousin * maternal death * maternal grandfather * maternal grandmother * maternal uncle

    Antonyms

    * paternal – father

    Coordinate terms

    * avuncular – uncle * materteral – aunt * paternal – father

    unmaternal

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Not maternal; not befitting a mother.

    • Synonyms

    * unmotherly