brotherly

1 of 2

adjective

broth·​er·​ly ˈbrə-t͟hər-lē 

1

: of or relating to brothers

2

: natural or becoming to brothers : affectionate

brotherly love

brotherliness noun

brotherly adverb

brotherliness

2 of 2

noun

broth·​er·​li·​ness

ˈbrə-t͟hər-lē-nəs

plural -es

: the quality or state of being brotherly

Synonyms of brotherly

Adjective

• fraternal

Examples of brotherly in a Sentence

Adjective

He gave his sister a brotherly hug.

He received brotherly support from his fellow priests.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Torn between brotherly love and marital loyalty, Irwin discovers he’s ensnared in forces far beyond his control. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 16 July 2026

And in this relationship between him and Robby, it’s packed with all kinds of emotions and turbulence, almost like a brotherly relationship. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 8 July 2026

But that once sweet brotherly bond is now in tatters and has been for several years. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Ever the sports fans, Travis and Jason shared some brotherly bonding time while at game 6 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, where the Boston Celtics played against the Philadelphia 76ers. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Rhymes for brotherly

• motherly
• southerly

Kids Definition

brotherly

adjective

broth·​er·​ly ˈbrət͟h-ər-lē 

1

: of or relating to brothers

2

: kindly entry 1 sense 2, affectionate

brotherliness noun