Maternal vs. Fraternal: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 7, 2023
Maternal pertains to the mother or motherhood, while fraternal relates to brothers or a brotherly bond.
Difference Between Maternal and Fraternal
The word "maternal" specifically pertains to mothers. Its origin can be traced back to the Latin word "mater," which means "mother." On the other hand, "fraternal" relates to brothers. Its origin is rooted in the Latin term "frater," signifying "brother."
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Sep 07, 2023
When describing relationships or lineage, "maternal" would indicate a connection through the mother's side of the family. Conversely, "fraternal" implies a bond or relationship through brothers or the male side.
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Sep 07, 2023
In the realm of twins, "fraternal" twins are those who develop from two distinct eggs and two separate sperm cells. They might or might not resemble each other. Meanwhile, "maternal" is not used in this context; instead, the term "identical" twins is used for twins developing from a single fertilized egg splitting into two.
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Sep 07, 2023
Emotionally, "maternal" instincts or feelings denote a caring or nurturing disposition typically associated with mothers. Meanwhile, "fraternal" emotions or bonds reference the camaraderie or companionship common among brothers or like brothers.
William
Sep 07, 2023
From a societal perspective, "maternal" roles have traditionally revolved around caregiving and nurturing tasks in many cultures. In contrast, "fraternal" organizations or associations are typically male-centric groups or brotherhoods.
Jonathan
Sep 07, 2023
Maternal vs. Fraternal Comparison Chart
Usage in Context of Twins
Not used for twins
Describes twins from two separate eggs
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Sep 07, 2023
Societal Roles
Traditionally caregiving, nurturing roles
Male-centric groups or associations
Olivia
Sep 07, 2023
Maternal vs. Fraternal Definitions
◉Maternal
Pertaining to a mother.
She inherited her blue eyes from her maternal grandmother.
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Sep 07, 2023
◉Fraternal
Relating to brothers.
Their fraternal bond was evident in the way they looked out for each other.
William
Sep 07, 2023
◉Maternal
Demonstrative of qualities attributed to a mother, like nurturing or caring.
She had a strong maternal instinct towards any child she met.
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Sep 07, 2023
◉Fraternal
Pertaining to a group or organization formed of members with shared interests or goals.
He joined the fraternal organization to foster community service.
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Sep 07, 2023
◉Maternal
Relating to motherhood or pregnancy.
Maternal health is crucial during the prenatal stages.
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Sep 07, 2023
◉Fraternal
Relating to a brotherly bond or camaraderie.
The teammates shared a fraternal spirit, always supporting one another.
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Sep 07, 2023
◉Fraternal
Of or like a brother.
He gave his friend a fraternal pat on the back.
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Sep 07, 2023
◉Maternal
Relating to or characteristic of a mother or motherhood; motherly
maternal instinct.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fraternal
Describing twins developed from two different eggs.
The twins were fraternal, so they didn't look exactly alike.
Lucas
Sep 07, 2023
◉Maternal
Of or pertaining to a mother; having the characteristics of a mother; motherly.
His weakness seemed to bring out her maternal instincts.
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May 03, 2023
◉Maternal
Related through the mother, or her side of the family.
Toby is my maternal uncle.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fraternal
Roman Catholic Church Of or constituting a mendicant order such as the Dominicans or Franciscans.
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May 03, 2023
◉Maternal
Derived from the mother as opposed to the foetus during pregnancy.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fraternal
(Biology) Of, relating to, or being a twin developed from two separately fertilized ova; dizygotic.
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May 03, 2023
◉Maternal
A person related through the mother, or her side of the family; a maternal relative.
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May 03, 2023
◉Maternal
Of or pertaining to a mother; becoming to a mother; motherly; as, maternal love; maternal tenderness.
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May 03, 2023
◉Fraternal
(genetics) Of twins or embryos, produced from two different eggs and sperm, and genetically distinct.
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May 03, 2023
◉Maternal
relating to or characteristic of or befitting a parent;
parental guidance
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May 03, 2023
◉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.
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May 03, 2023
◉Maternal
Inherited or derived from the mother's side.
The maternal genes were dominant in the child.
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Sep 07, 2023
◉Fraternal
of or relating to a fraternity or society of usually men;
a fraternal order
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May 03, 2023
◉Fraternal
(of twins) derived from two separate fertilized ova;
fraternal twins are biovular
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May 03, 2023
◉Fraternal
like or characteristic of or befitting a brother;
brotherly feelings
close fraternal ties
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May 03, 2023
Maternal vs. Fraternal Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a term like "fraternal twins" for maternal?
No, in the context of twins, the opposite of fraternal twins is "identical twins."
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Sep 07, 2023
Are fraternal organizations exclusive to men?
Traditionally, many fraternal organizations were male-only, but this is not a strict rule, and many such organizations today are open to all genders.
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Sep 07, 2023
What does maternal mean in genealogy?
Maternal refers to ancestry or descent from the mother's side of the family.
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Sep 07, 2023
Does maternal instinct only apply to humans?
No, maternal instincts refer to caregiving behaviors, and these can be observed in many animals, not just humans.
Kaitlyn
Sep 07, 2023
What's the difference between a fraternity and a fraternal organization?
A fraternity often refers to a male student organization in colleges, while a fraternal organization can be any group formed around shared interests or goals.
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Sep 07, 2023
Can someone have a maternal role without being a biological mother?
Yes, a maternal role is about caregiving and nurturing, not necessarily biological motherhood.
Lucas
Sep 07, 2023
Can fraternal be used for sisters?
Yes, while fraternal refers to brothers, in the context of twins, it can describe siblings of the same or opposite gender.
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Sep 07, 2023
Is maternal love the same as unconditional love?
Maternal love is often associated with unconditional love, but they aren't strictly synonymous. Maternal love refers to a mother's love, which can be, but isn't always, unconditional.
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Sep 07, 2023
What does it mean if twins look different?
If twins look different, they are likely fraternal twins, developing from two separate eggs.
Lucas
Sep 07, 2023
Do all mothers have a maternal instinct?
While many people believe in a natural maternal instinct, it varies among individuals. Not every woman may feel or express it in the same way.
Levi
Sep 07, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
