C1adjective2K

Parental

UK /["/pəˈrentl/"]/US /["/pəˈrentl/"]/

Definition

connected with a parent or parents

In simple words: related to a parent or parents

Examples

  • parental responsibility/rights
  • parental choice in education
  • the parental home

Usage notes

Use 'parental' in discussions about child-rearing, education, or roles of parents. Avoid in casual conversations unless referring to parenting specifically.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'parent' + 'al' — related to parents.

Collocations

  • parental guidance
  • parental control
  • parental involvement

Synonyms

  • familial
  • guardian
  • caregiver

Antonyms

  • childish
  • childlike
  • juvenile

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'paternal' (specifically father-related) and 'maternal' (specifically mother-related)
  • Incorrectly using 'parental' as a noun instead of an adjective
  • Using 'parental' in contexts unrelated to parents