WordGarden.ioparental
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /pərˈɛntəl/
US
- /pərˈɛntəl/
Meanings
Adjective
relating to parents or to being a parent
relating to a parent organism or inherited from a parent
Beyond the definition
"Parental" describes something connected with parents, or with the way a mother or father cares for and guides a child. You might hear it in phrases like "parental guidance," "parental leave," or "parental support." It can describe rights, duties, behavior, or feelings that are linked to being a parent. It can also describe a caring or protective attitude that feels like the attitude of a parent.
The word "parental" means "relating to parents" or "having the kind of care, authority, or responsibility that people connect with parents." It is often used for things that come from parents or belong to their role, such as "parental rights," "parental consent," "parental leave," or "parental involvement" in a child's life or education.
It can also describe behavior or feelings that seem like those of a parent. For example, someone may speak in a parental tone, show parental concern, or feel a parental instinct to protect someone younger or weaker. In these cases, the word does not always mean that the person is literally a parent. It means the care or guidance feels motherly or fatherly.
The word is common in everyday, legal, medical, and school-related English. It usually points to the role of parents in making decisions, giving care, setting limits, or supporting a child. So, "parental" is not just about mothers and fathers as people. It is also about the kind of guidance, protection, and responsibility that comes with raising a child.
Examples
- 1
School involvement
The school wants more parental involvement in after-school activities.
- 2
Work leave
Both mothers and fathers can apply for parental leave.
- Phraseparental leave
time away from work to care for a new baby or child
- 3
Permission
You need parental consent to join the trip if you are under 18.
- Phraseparental consent
permission from a parent or legal guardian
- 4
Digital settings
The streaming app lets families set parental controls.
- Phraseparental controls
settings that limit what children can watch or use
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Family pressure
Her parents meant well, but the parental pressure made choosing a college stressful.
- 6
Legal duty
The court had to decide who had parental responsibility for the child.
- Domainparental responsibility
legal duty to care for and make decisions for a child
- 7
Animal behavior
Even the usually nervous dog showed strong parental instincts around her puppies.
See also
Similar
- parent-related
- familial
- parentlike
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- parental leave
- parental consent
- parental responsibility
- parental control
Word family
Explore
- guardianship
- caregiving
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- parentalnounadjective
Forms
- parentalspluralnounadjective