Therefore, "paternal" relates to fatherhood, a father, or a father's role.
It's often used in words like:
* Paternal instinct: A natural desire to protect and care for one's children.
* Paternal leave: Time off work granted to a father after the birth or adoption of a child.
* Paternalism: A system where a government or other authority makes decisions for its citizens, often without their input.
* Paternalistic: Behaving in a way that is overprotective or controlling, like a father.