ма́терь

Ма́терь is an archaic and highly formal word meaning “mother.” In modern Russian it is rarely used in everyday speech; the neutral and common word is мать.

Ма́терь is mainly found in:

• religious and literary language (e.g., Ма́терь Бо́жия “Mother of God”),
• poetry, elevated or rhetorical style, where it gives a solemn or archaic tone,
• certain set expressions or historical texts.

Using ма́терь in normal conversation would sound unnatural or intentionally poetic. For everyday situations, learners should normally use мать.

It is often capitalized in religious or symbolic contexts (e.g., referring to the Virgin Mary).