How to pronounce maternal
Say it like muh-TUR-nul. Maternal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR).
- muh
- TUR
- nul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Maternal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- muhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- TURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- nulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of maternal
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: muh-TUR-nul.
What does maternal mean?
- 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.”
- Derived from the mother as opposed to the foetus during pregnancy.
- A mother.
- A person related through the mother, or her side of the family; a maternal relative.
Where does maternal come from?
The noun is derived from the adjective.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with maternal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of maternal.
Questions about saying maternal
How do you pronounce maternal?
Say muh-TUR-nul. The American pronunciation is /məˈtɝnəl/. In British English it is /məˈtɜːnəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in maternal?
Maternal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR). Broken into parts: muh · TUR · nul.
Is maternal pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /məˈtɜːnəl/ (muh-TUR-nul).