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fatherly
[ fah-ther-lee ]
adverb
- Obsolete. in the manner of a father.
fatherly
/ ˈɑːðəɪ /
adjective
- of, resembling, or suitable to a father
Derived Forms
- ˈڲٳԱ, noun
Other 51Թ Forms
- ڲt··Ա noun
- d·ڲt· adverb
- ܲ·ڲt· adjective
51Թ History and Origins
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
The pontiff resumed some work on Monday and called the Priest of the Parish of Gaza "to express his fatherly closeness", the Vatican added.
By that point, Mello has potently established the fatherly warmth his family will sorely miss.
She said he had asked in "gentle and fatherly way", and that she thought "the leader has the right to be presented in the way he sees fit".
Many of the Angels are just a few years into adulthood, requiring Washington and his staff sometimes to sometimes take on fatherly roles.
They were especially incensed that her father showed affection for his fun, fashionable daughter, and freaked out that he gave his daughter a fatherly side hug during the convention.
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More About Fatherly
What doesfatherly mean?
Fatherly is an adjective that most commonly means like a father. It’s especially used in a positive way to describe someone as being kind, nurturing, and protective—like a good father who loves and cares for his child(ren).
Describing someone as fatherly often implies that they listen and give good advice—it’s perhaps most commonly used in the phrase fatherly advice.
The word paternal can be used to mean the same thing, but it can also be used in a more neutral way that doesn’t imply these positive things, and the same is true of the word parental (which can be used regardless of the parent’s gender).
Sometimes, fatherly means of or suitable for a father, as in fatherly instincts.
Fatherly is most often used to describe fathers themselves, but it can be applied to someone who’s not a father, as in After my dad died, I started relying on Joe for fatherly support.
Fatherly was once used as an adverb meaning in the manner of a father, but this is no longer common.
Fatherly is one of many similar adjectives based on family relations, including motherly, grandfatherly, grandmotherly, brotherly, and sisterly.
Example: When my stepdad first moved in with us, I could tell that he was trying really hard to be fatherly, and it showed me that he cared.
Where doesfatherly come from?
The first records of the word fatherly come from before 1000. The suffix -ly is often used to form adverbs, but in the case of fatherly it means “like” (i.e., like a father).
The common meaning of fatherly is based not on any father but on a good father, one who is nurturing and compassionate. The phrase fatherly advice typically refers to advice that’s wise, comes from experience, and is intended to help you be the best you can be. Such advice can come from one’s actual father or from a father figure.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to fatherly?
- fatherliness (noun)
- unfatherly (adjective)
What are some synonyms for fatherly?
What are some words that share a root or word element with fatherly?
What are some words that often get used in discussing fatherly?
How isfatherly used in real life?
Fatherly is usually used in a positive way to describe a man or something he does as being like a good father. It can be applied to fathers or people who are not fathers.
Wonderful letter, the best of fatherly advice.
— Laura Noble (@lauraannnoble)
Finally got the fatherly counsel I was looking for… Albeit from an older friend. I'm happy again :o). Surround yourself with good people
— Ofimbunedu (@MaxFlynt)
A couple of my male friends are having boys lol I can’t wait to see them be fatherly
— Des💙 (@DEStalkmorehead)
Try usingfatherly!
Which of the following actions could be described as fatherly?
A. giving you good advice
B. comforting you
C. cheering you on
D. all of the above
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