Lower

maternal

/məˈtɜːrnl/

ma · ter · nal mə · ˈtɜːrn · l

English Definition

adj. motherly

中文释义

母亲的，母系的

Significado en Español

materno

한국어 뜻

어머니의, 모계의

Nghĩa Tiếng Việt

thuộc về mẹ, mẫu hệ

Example Sentence

She has a strong maternal instinct.

她有强烈的母性本能。

Synonyms

motherly motherlike

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Memory Aid / 记忆技巧

mater(mother)+nal.

Know this word? Mark it mastered, or move on.

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Practice — Synonym (ISEE Verbal)

In the following context, choose the best synonym for the word “maternal”: Though she was not related to them by blood, the caretaker’s ______ instincts were evident in her nurturing behavior towards the children.

A paternal
B maternal
C fraternal
D filial

Show answer

B — maternal. “maternal” means adj. motherly

Practice — Sentence Completion (ISEE Verbal)

She showed a warm, ______ care toward all the orphaned children.

A hostile
B maternal
C cruel
D distant

Show answer

B — maternal. “maternal” means adj. motherly

Common questions about “maternal”

What does “maternal” mean?

maternal — adj. motherly. In Chinese: 母亲的，母系的.

How do you pronounce “maternal”?

maternal is pronounced /məˈtɜːrnl/. It breaks into 3 syllables: ma · ter · nal.

How do you use “maternal” in a sentence?

She has a strong maternal instinct. (她有强烈的母性本能。)

What are synonyms for “maternal”?

motherly, motherlike — all close in meaning to maternal (adj. motherly).

Is “maternal” an ISEE Lower-level word?

Yes. maternal appears on the iSEE Vocab Lower list, which covers 615 words for the ISEE and SSAT.

How can I remember “maternal”?

mater(mother)+nal.

Progress / 学习进度

397 / 615

65% through this level

Mastered: 0 / 615 (0%)

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maternal

Practice — Synonym (ISEE Verbal)

Practice — Sentence Completion (ISEE Verbal)

More Lower-level ISEE words

Common questions about “maternal”