paternity
puh-TUR-nih-tee
/pəˈtɜːr.nə.ti/
The legal or biological state of being a father.
Paternity can be established biologically (via DNA) or legally (by presumption, such as being married to the mother at the time of birth).
The story behind the word. Paternity comes from the Latin 'paternitas', which derives from 'pater', meaning 'father'. The term passed through Old French as 'paternite' before entering Middle English.
Word relationships
- fatherhood: Fatherhood is the social and emotional experience of being a father, while paternity is the strict legal and biological status.
- maternity: Maternity is the legal or biological state of being a mother.
Commonly confused with
- parentage: Parentage is a gender-neutral term encompassing both paternity and maternity.
Word family
- paternal (adjective): Relating to a father.
- paternally (adverb): In a fatherly manner.
Collocations
- paternity test
- establish paternity
- paternity suit
- paternity leave
Example sentences
- "The court ordered a DNA test to establish paternity before finalizing the child support agreement." A legal action to establish child support.
- "He applied for paternity leave to spend time with his newborn daughter." A discussion of parental leave rights.
Memory hook
Think of 'paternity' starting with 'P' for 'parent' or 'papa'—specifically the father. Paternity = Father's identity.
When not to use
Do not use paternity when referring to motherhood (which is maternity) or general parenthood.
Fun facts
- Under old common law, the 'presumption of paternity' meant that a child born to a married woman was legally presumed to be her husband's child, a rule designed to prevent children from being declared illegitimate.
Explore more words
patrilineal, consanguinity, patrimony, maternity, matrimony, procreate
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