| a. | 1. | Of or pertaining to a mother; like, or suitable for, a mother; tender; maternal; |
| adv. | 1. | In a manner of a mother. |
| Adj. | 1. | motherly - befitting a mother; warm and nurturing |
| Adv. | 1. | motherly - in a maternal manner; as a mother; "she loved her students almost maternally" Synonyms: maternally |