unmaternal
|un/ma/ter/nal|
C1
🇺🇸
/ʌn.məˈtɜːr.nəl/
🇬🇧
/ʌn.məˈtɜː.nəl/
lacking maternal qualities
Etymology
Etymology Information
'unmaternal' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'maternal' which comes from Latin 'maternalis', meaning 'of a mother'.
Historical Evolution
'maternal' changed from the Latin word 'maternalis' and eventually became the modern English word 'maternal'. The prefix 'un-' was added to form 'unmaternal'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, 'maternal' meant 'of a mother', and 'unmaternal' evolved to mean 'not having the qualities of a mother'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not having the qualities or characteristics of a mother; lacking maternal instincts or behavior.
She was criticized for being unmaternal towards her children.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/13 03:21