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

But now our similarities, brotherly bond and family values are on full display every week. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026

McWorter bought 80 acres for $100 and in 1836 founded New Philadelphia, a promising city of brotherly love, in Pike County, 20 miles from the slave state of Missouri. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026

Nyong’o recalls her scene partner’s magnetic qualities, as well as his brotherly protectiveness at their closing-night party. —Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 20 May 2026

John Cena and Eric André have a tough time developing brotherly love in the trailer for the Netflix movie Little Brother. —Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 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