Paternity

usgb/pəˈtɜːrnəti/
noun

The state of being someone's father.

He denied paternity of the child.
Visual representation of "paternity" - The state of being someone's father

Often appears as...

  • paternity leave
  • paternity test
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "paternity"
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Legal Context

Often used in legal situations to determine or deny father-child relationships.

Illustration for Legal Context
The court ordered a paternity test to prove if he was the child’s father.
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Colloquial Misuse

Sometimes mistakenly used to mean 'pattern.' Paternity specifically refers to fatherhood.

Illustration for Colloquial Misuse
His paternity was questioned, not the pattern of his behavior.
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Cultural Sensitivity

Discussions of paternity can be sensitive; approach the topic with respect to privacy.

Illustration for Cultural Sensitivity
She avoided discussing his paternity in public to respect his privacy.
Visual representation of the word "Paternity"

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