adj
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
More
protective
Opposites
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.