sisterly
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɪstəli/
US
- /sˈɪstərli/
Description
- Like an older female sibling
- warm and caring
- protective
- close and friendly
"Sisterly" means like a sister, or showing the kind of warmth, care, and support people often connect with sisters. It has a kind, protective feeling, like an older sister looking out for someone she cares about.
You might describe a close friendship between women as "sisterly," even if they are not family. It can also describe care or guidance that feels gentle, personal, and protective. The word often suggests closeness, trust, and the easy understanding that grows over time.
"Sisterly" means relating to a sister or showing the qualities people often connect with sisters. At its heart, it describes warmth, affection, care, and support that feel personal and protective.
Think about the way sisters often move through life together: sharing secrets, offering comfort during hard times, celebrating each other's wins, and teasing each other in a loving way. That mix of closeness, protectiveness, and real care is what "sisterly" brings to mind.
You might describe a community of women who support each other as having a "sisterly atmosphere." A person who gives kind, caring, protective advice might offer "sisterly advice." The word can describe actual sisters, but it is also often used for friendships or other close relationships that feel loving and steady in the same way.
The word suggests more than simple kindness. It points to a deeper feeling of loyalty, understanding, and care, often shaped by shared experience or a strong emotional bond. It is about being there for someone in a way that feels loving, familiar, and a little protective, whether the relationship is based on family or on closeness built over time.
Examples
- 1
Family affection
She gave her little brother a sisterly hug before he boarded the train.
- 2
Advice
He laughed at her sisterly advice but still followed it.
- 3
Supportive behavior
Although they weren't related, Nora was warm and sisterly toward the new girl in class.
- 4
Friendship tone
Their friendship had a quiet, sisterly closeness rather than any romance.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sisterlyadjective