motherly Hear it!

motherly Definition

mother·ly (-lē)

adjective

  1. of a mother
  2. having traits considered typical of mothers; kind, protective, nurturing, etc.

adverb

Archaic as a mother

motherly Related Forms
moth′er·li·ness noun
motherly Synonyms

motherly

modif.

maternal, devoted, careful, watchful, kind, warm, gentle, tender, comprehending, sympathetic, caretaking, supporting, protective, protecting; see also loving.

motherly Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • instinct: All right, I admit I'm not much of a baby person; no motherly instincts here.
  • love: Most prisoners had dreadful childhoods, raised in abject poverty, with little or none, nurture or motherly love.
  • woman: Standing nearby was a motherly woman with a plump smile.
  • advice: This tale of motherly advice is a beautiful track that does not seem out of place on this fairly eclectic album.
  • figure: One game administrator I know was a motherly figure for all the players.
  • role: This was because she portrayed how she could be a caring motherly role as well as bartering with soldiers very realistically.