Maternal vs. Fraternal — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
Maternal refers to motherly relations, while Fraternal pertains to brotherly connections.
Difference Between Maternal and Fraternal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Maternal, originating from the Latin word "māternus," directly ties back to matters associated with mothers. In the same breath, Fraternal derives from the Latin term "frāternus," referencing associations with brothers.
Maternal feelings and instincts pertain to the natural emotions and behaviors displayed by a mother towards her offspring. Conversely, Fraternal bonds underscore the relationship shared between brothers or among male siblings.
The term Maternal can be used in various contexts, such as maternal love, emphasizing a mother’s affection towards her child. On the other side, Fraternal organizations or orders are brotherhoods, where members are bound by shared goals or interests.
The Maternal lineage of a person pertains to their ancestry through the mother's side. In contrast, the Fraternal lineage would emphasize relations through male siblings or the father's side, although the term is not typically used in this context.
The health sector occasionally references Maternal health, which focuses on mothers and the health challenges they face, especially during pregnancy and childbirth. In a similar theme, Fraternal twins denote siblings who share the same womb but are not identical.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Derived from Latin "māternus"
Derived from Latin "frāternus"
Relationship
Pertains to mothers
Pertains to brothers
Common Usage
Maternal love, instincts
Fraternal orders, brotherhoods
Lineage Reference
Mother’s side ancestry
Brotherly relations
Biological Context
Maternal health in medicine
Fraternal twins in genetics
Compare with Definitions
Maternal
Concerning pregnancy or childbirth.
The clinic focused on maternal health and well-being.
Fraternal
Of a brotherhood or order.
He joined a fraternal organization in college.
Maternal
Showing qualities of a mother, motherly.
She had a maternal affection for all her students.
Fraternal
Distinguished from identical (pertaining to twins).
They were surprised to learn they were fraternal twins.
Maternal
Relating to a mother, especially during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth
Maternal care
Fraternal
Related to brothers.
Their fraternal bond was unbreakable.
Maternal
Relating to or characteristic of a mother or motherhood; motherly
Maternal instinct.
Fraternal
Friendly or brotherly.
The group shared a fraternal camaraderie.
Maternal
Inherited from one's mother
A maternal trait.
Fraternal
Of or relating to brothers
A close fraternal tie.
Maternal
Related through one's mother
My maternal uncle.
Fraternal
Showing comradeship; brotherly.
Maternal
Of or pertaining to a mother; having the characteristics of a mother; motherly.
His weakness seemed to bring out her maternal instincts.
Fraternal
Of or constituting a fraternity
A fraternal association.
Maternal
Related through the mother, or her side of the family.
Toby is my maternal uncle.
Fraternal
Roman Catholic Church Of or constituting a mendicant order such as the Dominicans or Franciscans.
Maternal
Derived from the mother as opposed to the foetus during pregnancy.
Fraternal
(Biology) Of, relating to, or being a twin developed from two separately fertilized ova; dizygotic.
Maternal
A mother.
Fraternal
Of or pertaining to a brother or brothers.
Maternal
A person related through the mother, or her side of the family; a maternal relative.
Fraternal
Of or pertaining to a fraternity.
Maternal
Of or pertaining to a mother; becoming to a mother; motherly; as, maternal love; maternal tenderness.
Fraternal
Platonic or friendly.
Maternal
Characteristic of a mother;
Warm maternal affection for her guest
Fraternal
(genetics) Of twins or embryos, produced from two different eggs and sperm, and genetically distinct.
Maternal
Relating to or derived from one's mother;
Maternal genes
Fraternal
A society formed to provide mutual aid, such as insurance.
Maternal
Relating to or characteristic of or befitting a parent;
Parental guidance
Fraternal
A fraternal twin.
Maternal
Related on the mother's side;
My maternal grandmother
Fraternal
Of, pertaining to, or involving, brethren; becoming to brothers; brotherly; as, fraternal affection; a fraternal embrace.
An abhorred, a cursed, a fraternal war.
Fraternal love and friendship.
Maternal
Related to a mother.
Her maternal instincts kicked in immediately.
Fraternal
Of or relating to a fraternity or society of usually men;
A fraternal order
Maternal
Inherited from or related through one's mother.
His maternal grandmother passed down the heirloom.
Fraternal
(of twins) derived from two separate fertilized ova;
Fraternal twins are biovular
Maternal
Pertaining to the maternal side of the family.
The gathering was a celebration of her maternal lineage.
Fraternal
Like or characteristic of or befitting a brother;
Brotherly feelings
Close fraternal ties
Fraternal
Pertaining to a group bound by mutual interests or goals.
The members of the society had a fraternal pact to uphold.
Common Curiosities
What do Fraternal twins mean?
Fraternal twins are siblings who share the same womb during pregnancy but are not genetically identical.
What does Maternal signify in terms of relationships?
Maternal relates to motherly or mother-based relationships.
How does Fraternal relate to family relations?
Fraternal pertains to brotherly connections or relations.
Is Maternal exclusively tied to females?
While Maternal predominantly relates to mothers or females, its broader use can denote "motherly" qualities irrespective of gender.
Do Fraternal organizations have to be all-male?
No, while fraternal refers to "brotherly," many fraternal organizations can be co-ed or even all-female.
Can "Fraternal" be used as a synonym for "friendly"?
Yes, in some contexts, "fraternal" can mean "friendly" or "brotherly."
Can Maternal be used to denote inherited traits?
Yes, traits or features inherited from one's mother can be described as maternal.
Are all twins Fraternal?
No, twins can be either identical (monozygotic) or fraternal (dizygotic).
In what context outside family relations is Fraternal often used?
Fraternal is often used to describe organizations or orders bound by shared interests or goals.
What's the origin of the word Maternal?
Maternal originates from the Latin word "māternus."
What's a synonym for Maternal?
A synonym for Maternal is "motherly."
How do Maternal and Fraternal differ in terms of lineage?
Maternal refers to the mother's side, while Fraternal relates more to brothers or the male side.
Can "Maternal" describe feelings or instincts?
Yes, it can describe motherly feelings or instincts towards someone or something.
Where does the term Fraternal come from?
Fraternal derives from the Latin term "frāternus."
Is Maternal health solely about motherhood?
While it predominantly focuses on mothers, maternal health also covers the health challenges women face during pregnancy and childbirth.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
