paternal
/pəˈtɜrnəl/
adjective
- Relating to or characteristic of a father.
- Her paternal instincts kicked in when she saw the lost child.
- He showed paternal affection by tucking his son into bed.
- The coach took a paternal interest in the young athletes.
- Related through the father's side of the family.
- The family name comes from his paternal lineage.
- My paternal grandmother lives in Florida.
- He inherited the watch from his paternal uncle.
- Protective and caring in a way that is like a father, sometimes in a way that limits freedom.
- His paternal attitude toward his employees made them feel safe but dependent.
- The government's paternal policies were meant to help, but felt controlling.
- She resented his paternal tone when he told her what to do.
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