/pætərˈnɪti/ PAH-tər-NI-tee

Definitions

1. noun

The state or fact of being a father; the relationship between a father and his child.

“The court case focused on establishing paternity of the child.”

2. noun

The quality or attribute of being masculine or masculine characteristics.

“The writer explored the themes of paternity and masculinity in her novel.”

3. noun

A sense of responsibility or duty towards one’s offspring.

“The concept of paternity is deeply ingrained in many cultures.”

4. noun

A claim or assertion of fatherhood.

“He filed a paternity claim against the mother to establish his rights.”