Word
motherly
Phoneticsmoth·er·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈməðɝɫi/
UK/mˈʌðəli/
Definition
adj. having the kind, caring, and protective qualities that a mother usually has. You use this to describe someone who is very nurturing and warm.
adj. possessing the qualities of a mother, such as tenderness, care, and protection. Often used to describe a person's character or a specific gesture.
Examples
“She gave him a motherly hug to make him feel better.”
“The nurse was known for her motherly care, always making sure the children felt safe and comfortable.”
“Despite her stern professional demeanor, she had a motherly instinct that made her an excellent mentor to the younger staff members.”
Examples
simple
“She gave him a motherly hug to make him feel better.”
contextual
“The nurse was known for her motherly care, always making sure the children felt safe and comfortable.”
complex
“Despite her stern professional demeanor, she had a motherly instinct that made her an excellent mentor to the younger staff members.”
Etymology
From Middle English moderly, from Old English mōdorlīċ (“motherly, maternal”), from Proto-Germanic *mōdērlīkaz (“motherly, maternal”), equivalent to mother + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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