motherly
adj. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈməðɝɫi// UK //mˈʌðəli// moth·er·ly
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.
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.
From Middle English moderly, from Old English mōdorlīċ (“motherly, maternal”), from Proto-Germanic *mōdērlīkaz (“motherly, maternal”), equivalent to mother + -ly.