motherly

moth·er·ly

adj \-lē\

Definition of MOTHERLY

1

: of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother <motherly advice>

2

: resembling a mother : maternal

— moth·er·li·ness noun

Examples of MOTHERLY

1. She took her motherly duties very seriously.
2. <she showed a sweet motherly tenderness toward the tiny kitten she was taking care of>

First Known Use of MOTHERLY

before 12th century

Related to MOTHERLY

Synonyms: maternal, mother

Related Words: parental; female, feminine, womanish, womanlike, womanly; matriarchal, matronly; caring, giving, nurturing

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Rhymes with MOTHERLY

brotherly, southerly