fatherly

1 of 2

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

fatherliness

2 of 2

noun

fa·​ther·​li·​ness -lēnə̇s 

-lin-

plural -es

: paternal quality : the kindness or benignity of or befitting a father

the gentleness and fatherliness of the strange old man eased the young girl's fears

Examples of fatherly in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Din eventually adopts a fatherly relationship with his young ward and tries to protect him from all threats. —Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 21 May 2026

Nussmeier isn’t the only Chiefs QB with fatherly NFL ties taking part in this year’s rookie mini-camp. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026

LeBron takes an obvious fatherly pride in Bronny's development into a contributor for their short-handed team. —ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026

In the wake of Soldier Boy’s resurrection, Homelander is desperate to earn some fatherly affection. —Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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