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Definition of motherly

motherly

/ˈmʌð.ər.li/
moth · er · ly
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motherly Lexical Profile

motherly Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Characteristic of, relating to, or resembling a caring mother; showing warmth, tenderness, and protective affection.

Example

"She offered the nervous new student some motherly advice and a warm cup of tea."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for motherly
Antonyms
View all antonyms for motherly

Word Nuance & Usage

Although ending in '-ly', 'motherly' is an adjective rather than an adverb. While 'maternal' is a close synonym, 'maternal' is often used in formal, clinical, or genealogical contexts (e.g., 'maternal grandparents'), whereas 'motherly' emphasizes warmth, affection, and nurturing behavior.

• Rhymes for motherly

• Nearby Words

motherless
motherlike
motherliness
motherly
mothership
mothlike
mothproof

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'modorlic', formed from 'modor' (mother) and the adjectival suffix '-lic' (-ly), meaning 'having the characteristics of a mother'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Motherly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/motherly
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