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US /ˈfɑðɚli/ UK /ˈfɑːðəli/
Freq #27981

Meanings

  1. 1

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 adj · showing the kindness,... paternalprotectivecaring
Opposites
neglectfulunfatherly
Word family
Derived forms fatherlinessunfatherly
Related forms fatherpaternalparental

Etymology

Inherited from Old English faederlic, formed from father + -ly. The adjective moved naturally from literal relation to a father toward the characteristic sense 'kindly protective or guiding.'

Topics

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