grandmotherly

English

Etymology

grandmother +‎ -ly

Adjective

grandmotherly (comparative more grandmotherly, superlative most grandmotherly)

1. In the manner of a grandmother.
   • 1952, Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man, Penguin Books (2014), page 103:

     “Mr. Norton, your head!” he cried, a strange grandmotherly concern in his voice.

2. Having the characteristics of a grandmother.
   • 2022, Hernan Diaz, Trust, Picador (2023), page 256:

     One of the maids introduced me to Miss Clifford, the housekeeper, a grandmotherly yet somehow youthful woman who offered me a cup of tea I was too nervous to accept. She gave it to me anyway, calling me “love.”

Coordinate terms

• grandfatherly

Derived terms

• grandmotherliness

Translations

in the manner of a grandmother

• Polish: babciny (pl), babciowy (colloquial)

having the characteristics of a grandmother

• Polish: babciny (pl), babciowy (colloquial)