maternity
muh-TUR-nuh-tee
/məˈtɜːrnəti/
The state of being a mother; relating to pregnancy and childbirth.
Refers to the physical, legal, and social aspects of motherhood and pregnancy care.
The story behind the word. Traced back to the Latin word 'maternitas' from 'mater', meaning mother. It entered Middle English through Old French to describe the biological state and early period of maternal care.
Word relationships
- motherhood: Motherhood covers the lifelong role of raising a child, while maternity often specifies the pregnancy and childbirth phase.
- paternity: Refers specifically to fatherhood.
Commonly confused with
- paternity: Maternity relates to the mother; paternity relates to the father.
Word family
- maternal (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of a mother.
- maternally (adverb): In a motherly way.
Collocations
- maternity leave
- maternity ward
- maternity wear
- maternity hospital
Example sentences
- "She took six months of paid maternity leave after her daughter was born." Workplace policy
- "The store launched a new line of comfortable maternity wear." Fashion and retail
Memory hook
MATERNity shares its root with MATERnal and MOTHER — all about mom. Motherhood in motion.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'paternity' (fatherhood) or 'motherhood' (the long-term role rather than the immediate pregnancy/birth phase).
Fun facts
- The term 'maternity dress' first appeared in high fashion magazines during the early 1900s as dedicated garments were designed for pregnant women.
Also appears in
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