C1 adjective Formal

hypermaterness

/ˌhaɪpərˈmeɪtərnəs/

Characterized by or relating to an extreme, often overbearing state of maternal instinct and overprotectiveness. This term is used to describe a level of mothering that exceeds typical boundaries, potentially stifling the independence of the child.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Her hypermaterness was evident when she insisted on accompanying her teenage son to his first job interview.

Her hypermaterness was evident when she insisted on accompanying her teenage son to his first job interview.

2

The study suggests that clinical hypermaterness can lead to increased anxiety levels in developing adolescents.

The study suggests that clinical hypermaterness can lead to increased anxiety levels in developing adolescents.

3

I know you love him, but that hypermaterness is going to drive him away eventually.

I know you love him, but that hypermaterness is going to drive him away eventually.

Word Family

Noun
hypermaterness
Adverb
hypermaternally
Adjective
hypermaternal
Related
hypermaternalism
💡

Memory Tip

Break it down: HYPER (too much) + MATER (mother) + NESS (state). Picture a 'hyper-mother' who won't let go of her child's hand even at the park.

Quick Quiz

The psychologist noted that the mother's _______ behavior was preventing the child from developing self-reliance.

Correct!

The correct answer is: hypermaterness

Examples

1

Her hypermaterness was evident when she insisted on accompanying her teenage son to his first job interview.

everyday

Her hypermaterness was evident when she insisted on accompanying her teenage son to his first job interview.

2

The study suggests that clinical hypermaterness can lead to increased anxiety levels in developing adolescents.

formal

The study suggests that clinical hypermaterness can lead to increased anxiety levels in developing adolescents.

3

I know you love him, but that hypermaterness is going to drive him away eventually.

informal

I know you love him, but that hypermaterness is going to drive him away eventually.

4

Sociological discourse often examines hypermaterness as a byproduct of modern intensive parenting pressures.

academic

Sociological discourse often examines hypermaterness as a byproduct of modern intensive parenting pressures.

5

The manager's hypermaterness toward the new recruits was well-intentioned but prevented them from learning through their own mistakes.

business

The manager's hypermaterness toward the new recruits was well-intentioned but prevented them from learning through their own mistakes.

Word Family

Noun
hypermaterness
Adverb
hypermaternally
Adjective
hypermaternal
Related
hypermaternalism

Common Collocations

stifling hypermaterness stifling hypermaterness
exhibit hypermaterness exhibit hypermaterness
innate hypermaterness innate hypermaterness
maternal hypermaterness maternal hypermaterness
extreme hypermaterness extreme hypermaterness

Common Phrases

a touch of hypermaterness

a touch of hypermaterness

driven by hypermaterness

driven by hypermaterness

suffocated by hypermaterness

suffocated by hypermaterness

Often Confused With

hypermaterness vs hypernatremia

Hypernatremia is a medical condition involving high sodium levels in the blood, whereas hypermaterness refers to maternal behavior.

hypermaterness vs hypermatureness

Hypermatureness refers to being past the point of full development or ripeness, while hypermaterness is specific to mothering.

📝

Usage Notes

This word is often used in psychological or sociological contexts to critique 'helicopter' parenting styles. Although it contains the suffix '-ness' (usually noun-forming), it is occasionally utilized in test-specific English as an adjective to describe a specific behavioral state.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse this with general 'motherliness,' but hypermaterness always implies an excessive or negative degree of care. Do not use it as a simple compliment for a caring mother.

💡

Memory Tip

Break it down: HYPER (too much) + MATER (mother) + NESS (state). Picture a 'hyper-mother' who won't let go of her child's hand even at the park.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek prefix 'hyper-' (over, beyond) and the Latin 'mater' (mother), combined with the English suffix '-ness'.

Grammar Patterns

Typically used as a non-count descriptor in specialized contexts Functions as a predicative adjective in specific test linguistics Often followed by the preposition 'toward' or 'regarding'
🌍

Cultural Context

In Western cultures, this term relates to the 'Tiger Mom' or 'Helicopter Parent' tropes, reflecting a societal debate over the limits of parental involvement.

Quick Quiz

The psychologist noted that the mother's _______ behavior was preventing the child from developing self-reliance.

Correct!

The correct answer is: hypermaterness

Related Words

ready

A2

To be fully prepared for an action or an event. It describes a state where everything is set so that something can happen immediately without delay.

simple

A2

Something that is easy to understand, do, or use because it is not complicated. It can also describe something that is plain and basic in style, without extra decoration.

physical

A2

Relating to the body rather than the mind or feelings. It also describes things that exist in the real world and can be seen or touched.

general

A2

Describing something that affects most people or things rather than being specific to one. It is also used to describe a broad understanding of a topic without focusing on small details.

environmental

A2

Relating to the natural world of land, sea, air, plants, and animals. It is often used to describe things that involve protecting nature from damage caused by humans.

medical

A2

Relating to the science of medicine and the treatment of injuries or diseases. It is used to describe things connected to doctors, nurses, and the healthcare system.

traditional

A2

Following or belonging to the customs and beliefs that have been part of a group of people or a society for a long time. It describes practices that are done in the same way they have been done in the past rather than using new or modern methods.

private

A2

Describes something that belongs to a specific person or group and is not for public use. It also refers to a place or conversation where others are not allowed to listen or watch.

difficult

A2

Something that is hard to do, understand, or deal with because it requires a lot of effort or skill. It can also describe a person who is not easy to please or work with.

religious

A2

Describes someone who has a strong belief in a god or a group of gods and follows the practices of a religion. It can also refer to things that are connected with or related to a particular religion.

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