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Motherless vs Maternal - What's the difference?

motherless | maternal |

As adjectives the difference between motherless and maternal

is that motherless is without a living mother while maternal is of or pertaining to a mother; having the characteristics of a mother, motherly.

motherless

English

Adjective

(-)
  • Without a living mother.

    • See also

    * fatherless * half orphan * maternal death * orphan * parentless

    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