English edit

Etymology edit

From Middle English brotherly, from Old English brōþorlīċ, from Proto-Germanic *brōþurlīkaz, equivalent to brother +‎ -ly. Cognate with Dutch broederlijk (brotherly), German brüderlich (brotherly), Swedish broderlig (brotherly).

Pronunciation edit

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈbɹʌð.ə.li/
  • (file)
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈbɹʌð.ɚ.li/

Adjective edit

brotherly (comparative more brotherly, superlative most brotherly)

  1. Of or characteristic of brothers.
    brotherly love

Derived terms edit

Related terms edit

Translations edit

Adverb edit

brotherly

  1. In the manner of a brother, as a brother, as brothers.
    • 1908, Jack London, The Iron Heel[1], New York: The Macmillan Company:
      "What honest man, who is not insane, would take lost women and thieves into his house to dwell with him sisterly and brotherly?"

Anagrams edit

Middle English edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

From Old English brōþorlīċ, from Proto-Germanic *brōþurlīkaz; equivalent to brother +‎ -ly. The adverb was derived from the adjective in the Middle English period.

Pronunciation edit

Adjective edit

brotherly (rare)

  1. Of or relating to brothers or siblings.
  2. Cheerful, jovial; like friends.

Descendants edit

  • English: brotherly

References edit

Adverb edit

brotherly

  1. In a brotherly way; in a way like a brother.

Descendants edit

References edit