fatherly

adjective

fa·​ther·​ly ˈfä-t͟hər-lē 

1

: of, relating to, or befitting a father

fatherly responsibilities

2

: resembling a father (as in affection or care)

a fatherly old man

fatherliness

ˈfä-t͟hər-lē-nəs 

noun

fatherly adverb

Examples of fatherly in a Sentence

He took a fatherly interest in the careers of younger writers.

Recent Examples on the Web

Today, with talk of a second Oscar nomination, the actor slips into a fatherly role in Hamnet playing the legendary playwright William Shakespeare, based on Maggie O'Farrell’s bestselling 2020 novel of the same name. —Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025

His father grieved by never mentioning her name again in the house, and the fatherly approval Bono craved was in short supply. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2025

Baron was gentle, fatherly, and prim. —Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025

The address that, thanks to Mills’ unmatched talent for multitasking, qualifies him to represent my district while allegedly nurturing and handing out fatherly advice to all these young ladies. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

fatherly

adjective

fa·​ther·​ly ˈfät͟h-ər-lē 

ˈfȧt͟h-

1

: of or resembling a father

fatherly responsibilities

2

: showing the affection or concern of a father

fatherly advice

fatherliness noun