Parental Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ
Add to dictionary

parental

[pษ™หˆrษ›nt(ษ™)l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

relationship

Relating to a parent or parents. Pertaining to the role of a parent.

Synonyms

filial, maternal, paternal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
parental

Used generally to describe anything related to parents as a whole, without specifying mother or father.

  • The school sent a parental consent form home with the students.
  • Parental guidance is advised for this movie.
maternal

Specifically refers to anything related to the mother or motherhood.

  • She took a maternal leave to take care of her newborn baby.
  • Her maternal instincts kicked in when she saw a child in danger.
paternal

Specifically refers to anything related to the father or fatherhood.

  • He took on a paternal role after his brother passed away.
  • She inherited her paternal grandmother's eyes.
filial

Used to describe duties, responsibilities, or feelings a son or daughter has toward their parents.

  • He showed filial respect by taking care of his elderly parents.
  • Her filial piety was admired by everyone in the community.

Examples of usage

  • Parental responsibilities include providing love and support to their children.
  • She received parental advice on how to raise her newborn baby.
  • The school organized a parental meeting to discuss the upcoming events.
  • The parental instinct to protect their offspring is strong in most animals.
  • Parental guidance is important in shaping a child's behavior.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Parental guidance has a significant impact on a child's emotional and social development.
  • Different parenting styles, such as authoritative or permissive, influence children's behavior and attitudes.
  • Studies show that involved parents can lead to better academic performance and mental health in children.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict parental figures as central characters, showcasing the challenges and rewards of raising kids.
  • Popular television shows frequently address themes of parental relationships, such as 'The Simpsons' and 'This Is Us'.
  • Reality TV series like 'The Real World' often highlight the influence of parental guidance on young adults.

Education

  • Parental involvement in education, such as attending school events, positively affects student success.
  • Many schools encourage 'parent-teacher conferences' to discuss children's progress and needs.
  • Educational programs are often designed to support parental engagement in their children's learning.

Society

  • Different cultures have unique views on what it means to be a parent, affecting family dynamics.
  • In some societies, extended families play a central role in parenting, not just biological parents.
  • Social debates about 'parental rights' often arise around issues of education, health care, and custody.

Origin of 'parental'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'parental' comes from the Latin word 'parentalis', which means 'of a parent'.
  • The root 'parent' is derived from the Latin 'parens', meaning 'mother or father'.
  • The use of 'parental' in English dates back to the 15th century, emphasizing the role of parents.

The word 'parental' originated from the Latin word 'parentalis', which is derived from 'parens' meaning parent. The concept of parental responsibility and care has been a fundamental aspect of human societies throughout history, emphasizing the importance of the relationship between parents and their children.


See also: parentage, parenthood, parenting, parents.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,109 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.