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View synonyms for sisterly

sisterly

[ sis-ter-lee ]

adjective

  1. of, like, or befitting a sister:

    sisterly affection.



adverb

  1. in the manner of a sister; as a sister.

sisterly

/ ˈsɪstəlɪ /

adjective

  1. of, resembling, or suitable to a sister, esp in showing kindness and affection
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈsisterliness, noun
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Other Words From

  • sister·li·ness noun
  • un·sister·ly adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of sisterly1

First recorded in 1560–70; sister + -ly
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Example Sentences

Hollywood has told this story before, it can be fairly said, and Kapadia channels those pleasures of sisterly solidarity and getting your groove back while also adding a subtle layer of spiritual awakening.

While they race against one another, Cashmore - who is five years the senior of Steadman - says they rarely interact outside of the blue carpet, despite her team-mate's description of a sisterly relationship.

From BBC

Whereas “The Homecoming” was noted for its claustrophobic machismo, here it’s the women who dominate the proceedings, vacillating between sisterly tenderness and bitter recriminations.

For many, their time in the military was their first time living away from their families, and they describe forming sisterly bonds.

From BBC

But in the scenes of child rearing, the absence of faces expresses something more: a depth of sisterly intimacy and family solidarity that renders exposition superfluous.

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More About Sisterly

What does sisterly mean?

Sisterly is an adjective that most commonly means like a sister. It’s especially used in a positive way to describe someone as being loyal, supportive, and protective—like a good sister who loves and cares about you.

Describing someone as sisterly sometimes implies that they’re like an older sister who can give good advice.

Sisterly is most often used to describe sisters themselves and the sisterly things they do, but it can be applied to someone who’s not a sister, as in I don’t have a sister, but I always rely on Jane for sisterly support. 

Sisterly can also be used as an adverb meaning in the manner of a sister.

Sisterly is one of many similar terms based on family relations, including brotherly, motherly, fatherly, grandmotherly, and grandfatherly.

Example: I’m lucky that my sisters and I have always shared a sisterly affection—we all support each other.

Where does sisterly come from?

The first records of the word sisterly come from the 1500s. The suffix -ly is often used to form adverbs, but in the case of the adjective sisterly it means “like” (i.e., like a sister).

The common meaning of sisterly is based not on any sister but on a good sister, one who is supportive and loyal. The phrase sisterly advice typically refers to advice that comes from experience and is intended to help you be the best you can be. Such advice can come from your actual sister or from a person who’s like a sister to you.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to sisterly?

  • sisterliness (noun)
  • unsisterly (adjective)

What are some synonyms for sisterly?

  • sororal
  • sororally (when sisterly is used as an adverb)

What are some words that share a root or word element with sisterly

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing sisterly?

How is sisterly used in real life?

Sisterly is usually used in a positive way to describe a woman or something she does as being like a good sister. It can be applied to sisters or people who are not sisters.

 

Try using sisterly!

Which of the following actions could be described as sisterly?

A. giving you good advice
B. supporting you
C. cheering you on
D. all of the above

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sister-in-lawSister of Charity