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 Word Forms

• 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

The pontiff resumed some work on Monday and called the Priest of the Parish of Gaza "to express his fatherly closeness", the Vatican added.

From BBC

By that point, Mello has potently established the fatherly warmth his family will sorely miss.

From Los Angeles Times

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".

From BBC

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

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

Related Words

• paternal