maternal love

USAGE SUMMARY

'maternal love' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun phrase used to express the love that a mother has for her children. Example sentence: The greatest gift a child can receive is the comforting warmth of a mother's maternal love.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maternal love trumps all.

The New York Times - Books

Displaced maternal love".

The New Yorker

Maternal love pins Mariela to the shore, defiantly producing children.

The Guardian

The maternal love she has for her children is quiet and tender.

The New York Times

And it is here that Schulman mines the depths of maternal love and grief.

The New York Times - Books

Nature versus nurture, too little maternal love or too much, the old familiar questions.

The Guardian - Books

The heavy hand of abnormal maternal love lies over this house.

The Guardian - Books

She is wary, but also prone to radiant bursts of daring and disarming maternal love.

The New Yorker

I believe she is needlessly putting romantic love and maternal love at odds with each other.

The New York Times

Both lost their fathers in childhood, and felt a painful lack of maternal love.

The New York Times - Books

The Pieta in Renaissance art is an image of maternal love.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maternal love" to emphasize the unique and instinctive bond between a mother and her child, particularly when discussing sacrifice, protection, or deep emotional connection.

Common error

Avoid using "maternal love" when referring to a father's love. While both parents can exhibit deep love for their children, "maternal love" specifically denotes a mother's love. Use "paternal love" for fathers or "parental love" for both.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "maternal love" is that of a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a complex emotion and bond. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in literature, news, and academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "maternal love" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It signifies the intense affection and protective instincts a mother has for her child. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, and while generally neutral, its intensity can be emphasized through alternative expressions like "motherly affection" or "mother's devotion". Be mindful to not confuse it with "paternal love", which describes the father's affection. Ludwig provides numerous examples that highlight the diverse ways this powerful emotion manifests in different scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motherly love

This is a simple synonym, almost perfectly interchangeable.

the love of a mother

Slightly more descriptive and less concise.

motherly affection

This alternative is more general, focusing on affection rather than a deep, instinctive love.

a mother's affection

Similar to "motherly affection" but with a more possessive feel.

mother's devotion

This alternative highlights dedication and commitment.

a mother's care

This term emphasizes the protective aspects.

maternal bond

Focuses on the connection rather than the emotion itself.

mother's tenderness

Highlights the gentle and caring aspects of maternal love.

loving motherhood

Shifts the focus to the state of being a loving mother.

parental love

This term broadens the scope to include both parents, losing the specific focus on the mother.

FAQs

How can I use "maternal love" in a sentence?

"Maternal love" is often described as unconditional, a powerful force that drives a mother to protect and nurture her child. For instance, you could say: "Her actions were driven by "maternal love"."

What's a good alternative to "maternal love"?

Depending on the context, you could use "motherly affection", "mother's devotion", or "parental love". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "maternal love" the same as "motherly love"?

The terms are very similar and often used interchangeably. However, "motherly love" might be perceived as slightly more gentle or nurturing, while "maternal love" can carry a sense of deeper, more instinctive connection.

Can "maternal love" be negative?

While generally positive, the term can sometimes describe an overprotective or suffocating relationship. In such cases, it's important to consider the context and avoid generalizations.