fatherly

[ fah-ther-lee ]

adjective

1. of, like, or befitting a father.

adverb

1. Obsolete. in the manner of a father.

fatherly

/ ˈfɑːðəlɪ /

adjective

1. of, resembling, or suitable to a father

Derived Forms

• ˈfatherliness, noun

Other Words From

• father·li·ness noun
• pseudo·father·ly adverb
• un·father·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fatherly¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English faderly, Old English fæderlic. See father, -ly

Synonym Study

Fatherly, paternal refer to the relationship of a male parent to his children. Fatherly has emotional connotations; it always suggests a kind, protective, tender, or forbearing attitude: fatherly advice. Paternal may suggest a kindly, proprietary attitude: paternal interest; but it may also be used objectively, as a legal and official term: his paternal grandmother; paternal estate.

Example Sentences

It was another confidence boost for the redshirt freshman who’s continuing to absorb fatherly advice while forging his own identity.

From Los Angeles Times

Many of the Angels are just a few years into adulthood, requiring Washington and his staff sometimes to sometimes take on fatherly roles.

From Los Angeles Times

"He kissed me on the forehead. I know a lot of people have mentioned this whole thing about this fatherly approach but I have boundaries. It was horrible, and you know, holding hands, being in very close proximity, was not normal," she said.

From BBC

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.

From Salon

“In showbusiness, it’s almost a lose-lose for child actors. If they’re going to be in showbiz, they should be in a movie with me! It’s my fatherly instinct to help the kids through it,” says Stern, who had children in his early 20s while he navigated Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• paternal