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

Examples of fatherly in a Sentence

He took a fatherly interest in the careers of younger writers.

Recent Examples on the Web

These traditional fatherly roles — walking the bride down the aisle, sharing a dance — can carry enormous emotional significance for some people. —Lori Gottlieb, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025

The 61-year-old actor, in a interview with AARP The Magazine for their April/May 2025 cover story, revealed a candid admission about his fatherly instincts, with good intentions, of course. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025

The president took a fatherly interest in his son Jim, who suffered a life-threatening brain injury while wrestling in 2020. —David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 13 Mar. 2025

Bono’s fatherly advice One of the world’s most popular and influential music celebrities must be a constant source of daring ideas for his son on how to live a rock star life. —Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

fatherly

adjective

fa·​ther·​ly ˈfät͟h-ər-lē 

ˈfȧt͟h-

1

: of or resembling a father

fatherly responsibilities

2

: showing the affection or concern of a father

fatherly advice

fatherliness noun