brotherly

adjective

broth·​er·​ly ˈbrə-t͟hər-lē 

1

: of or relating to brothers

2

: natural or becoming to brothers : affectionate

brotherly love

brotherliness noun

brotherly adverb

Synonyms

• fraternal

Examples of brotherly in a Sentence

He gave his sister a brotherly hug.

He received brotherly support from his fellow priests.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cal then slowly scooted himself right next to Daisy and slapped a big brotherly kiss on her head. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025

Mufasa clings to the lessons his parents taught him and Taka’s connection to their brotherly bond severs as soon as jealousy gets in the way. —Kathleen Newman-Bremang, refinery29.com, 19 Dec. 2024

From first seeing him as a burden, Charlie discovers an unbreakable brotherly bond with Raymond. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

While sports fans gather for hours of wonky NFL-game recaps, trade analysis, and brotherly banter, Swifties everywhere are willing to wade through all that in search of incremental updates on the relationship. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 18 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

brotherly

adjective

broth·​er·​ly ˈbrət͟h-ər-lē 

1

: of or relating to brothers

2

: kindly entry 1 sense 2, affectionate

brotherliness noun