fatherly
adjective
fa·ther·ly ˈfä-t͟hər-lē 
1
: of, relating to, or befitting a father
fatherly responsibilities
2
: resembling a father (as in affection or care)
a fatherly old man
fatherliness
ˈfä-t͟hər-lē-nəs
noun fatherly adverb
Example Sentences
He took a fatherly interest in the careers of younger writers.
Recent Examples on the Web The palace shared this sweet image of then-Prince Felipe getting some fatherly affection from his daughters. 
Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 6 Aug. 2022 Paltrow said her father Bruce had a great affection for Pitt, who saw Bruce as a fatherly mentor. Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 14 June 2022 The legend of the fatherly figure in Sturgis spread among the veterans leading the surge in motorcycle clubs and ridership around the nation. Fox News, 5 Aug. 2022 Specifically, Castañeda's character Diego takes on a fatherly role with season 3 addition Stan (Javon Walton). Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE.com, 22 June 2022 Giannis, the owner, hates chess, but has a fatherly affection for his regulars. Lise Pedersen, Variety, 25 May 2022 Raising Raffi recounts are ones that are, not coincidentally, related to the imperfect passing-down of fatherly wisdom. Phillip Maciak, The New Republic, 27 June 2022 YouTube series and Bo Petterson's DadAdviceFromBo on TikTok, who provide fatherly advice, how-to instructions, moral support and dad jokes. Faith Karimi, CNN, 19 June 2022 His stepfather, Troy Rambo, who Tyrone Sanders credits, along with his grandfather, as being one of his fatherly roles, came into his life three years after his mother and biological father divorced. Scott Talley, Freep.com, 19 June 2022 See More
Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 6 Aug. 2022 Paltrow said her father Bruce had a great affection for Pitt, who saw Bruce as a fatherly mentor. Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 14 June 2022 The legend of the fatherly figure in Sturgis spread among the veterans leading the surge in motorcycle clubs and ridership around the nation. Fox News, 5 Aug. 2022 Specifically, Castañeda's character Diego takes on a fatherly role with season 3 addition Stan (Javon Walton). Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE.com, 22 June 2022 Giannis, the owner, hates chess, but has a fatherly affection for his regulars. Lise Pedersen, Variety, 25 May 2022 Raising Raffi recounts are ones that are, not coincidentally, related to the imperfect passing-down of fatherly wisdom. Phillip Maciak, The New Republic, 27 June 2022 YouTube series and Bo Petterson's DadAdviceFromBo on TikTok, who provide fatherly advice, how-to instructions, moral support and dad jokes. Faith Karimi, CNN, 19 June 2022 His stepfather, Troy Rambo, who Tyrone Sanders credits, along with his grandfather, as being one of his fatherly roles, came into his life three years after his mother and biological father divorced. Scott Talley, Freep.com, 19 June 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
fatherly
adjective
fa·ther·ly ˈfä-t͟hər-lē
: of or like a father
He gave me fatherly advice.
fatherly
adjective
as in motherly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- motherly
- brotherly
- sisterly
- sentimental
- romantic
- sappy
- amorous
- mushy
- kind
- amatory
- lovesick
- lovey-dovey
- infatuated
- enamored
- caring
- erotic
- doting
- understanding
- affectionate
- fervent
- impassioned
- warm
- compassionate
- passionate
- loving
- considerate
- humane
- ardent
- erotical
- warmhearted
- forgiving
- cordial
- adoring
- tenderhearted
- fond
- devoted
- friendly
- tender
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- aloof
- distant
- unloving
- unbending
- indifferent
- unfeeling
- standoffish
- pitiless
- uncaring
- cool
- antisocial
- detached
- dry
- remote
- offish
- frosty
- unconcerned
- reserved
- cold-eyed
- uninvolved
- callous
- cold
- ruthless
- hard-hearted
- disaffected
- heartless
- unsentimental
- unfriendly
- pitiless
- frigid
- unromantic
- soulless
- cold-blooded
- hard-boiled