fatherly
/ˈfɑːðəli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɑːðərli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfä-t͟hər-lē/ (ame, mw)
fatherly — adjective
- fatherlypositive
- more fatherlycomparative
- most fatherlysuperlative
1. describing a man or his actions that show the kindness, care, warmth, and protec
describing a man or his actions that show the kindness, care, warmth, and protective concern people expect from a good father
Marco gave Shirin a fatherly hug when she was upset about failing her exam.
collocation: fatherly hug
The coach put a fatherly hand on the young player's shoulder after the match.
collocation: fatherly hand
There was something fatherly about the way Mr. Lakan spoke to the nervous students.
Bao's fatherly advice helped his nephew prepare for his very first job interview.
Christopher offered a gentle fatherly smile when the boy showed him his drawing.
- paternal
more formal; can describe biological relation (paternal uncle) whereas fatherly strictly describes warm, protective behaviour
- protective
narrower — focuses only on shielding from harm, missing the warmth and guidance that fatherly includes
- caring
broader and gender-neutral; fatherly specifically evokes the father role
- kindly
softer and less specific — a kindly neighbour is just nice, whereas a fatherly neighbour has protective warmth
- unfatherly
direct antonym — describes behaviour that is cold, harsh, or neglectful
- cold
opposite of the warmth implied by fatherly
文法句型
fatherly + noun (advice, hug, smile, concern, hand)
用法筆記
Unlike paternal, which can refer to biological relation or the father's side of the family (paternal grandparents), fatherly always describes a caring, protective quality or manner. Common with nouns denoting gestures, expressions, or guidance (hug, hand, advice, smile, concern).