Motherly — Moth er*ly, adv. In a manner of a mother. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
motherly — (adj.) O.E. modorlic pertaining to a mother; see MOTHER (Cf. mother) (n.1) + LY (Cf. ly) (1). Meaning befitting a mother is from mid 13c. Related: Motherliness … Etymology dictionary
motherly — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ of or characteristic of a mother, especially in being caring, protective, and kind. DERIVATIVES motherliness noun … English terms dictionary
motherly — [muth′ərlē] adj. 1. of a mother 2. having traits considered typical of mothers; kind, protective, nurturing, etc. adv. Archaic as a mother motherliness n … English World dictionary
motherly — moth|er|ly [ˈmʌðəli US ðər ] adj a motherly woman is loving and kind, like a good mother →↑maternal ▪ her motherly instincts ▪ She was a plump, motherly woman in her fifties. >motherliness n [U] … Dictionary of contemporary English
motherly — [[t]mʌ̱ðə(r)li[/t]] ADJ GRADED: usu ADJ n Motherly feelings or actions are like those of a kind mother. It was an incredible display of motherly love and forgiveness. ...a plump, motherly woman. Syn: maternal … English dictionary
motherly — motherliness, n. /mudh euhr lee/, adj. 1. pertaining to, characteristic of, or befitting a mother; maternal: motherly solicitude. 2. like a mother: to take a motherly interest in an orphan. adv. 3. in the manner of a mother. [bef. 1000; ME… … Universalium
motherly — moth|er|ly [ mʌðərli ] adjective typical of a good mother: motherly advice/love/qualities a kind, motherly woman ╾ moth|er|li|ness noun uncount … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
motherly — UK [ˈmʌðə(r)lɪ] / US [ˈmʌðərlɪ] adjective typical of a good mother motherly love a kind, motherly woman Derived word: motherliness noun uncountable … English dictionary
motherly — adjective Date: before 12th century 1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a mother < motherly advice > 2. resembling a mother ; maternal • motherliness noun … New Collegiate Dictionary
