motherly

B2 Topic:Describing Qualities

US /ˈmʌð.ɚ.li/ UK /ˈmʌð.ə.li/ See IPA manual

Freq #31506

Meanings

1

adj
showing the warmth, care, and protectiveness associated with a mother

She watched over the injured traveler with motherly concern.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 adj · showing the warmth, care,... maternalnurturingcaring

More protective

Opposites

uncaring neglectful

Word family

Derived forms motherliness

Related forms mother maternal nurture

Appears in

Phrases (1)

See all

motherly love
Affection and protective care like that associated with a mother.

Adjective + noun

Etymology

From Middle English moderly and Old English mōdorlīċ, formed from mother + -ly. The adjective has long described the warmth, care, or protectiveness traditionally associated with a mother.

Topics

Describing Qualities

External links

markdown