Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Matronly

//ˈmeɪtɹənli// adj, adv

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    In the capacity of a matron; serving as a housekeeper or head nurse.

    "The matronly woman cared for the sick orphan."

  2. 2
    Exuding the authority, wisdom, power, and intelligence of an experienced woman.

    "c. 1977, Janeane Garofalo, a skit the matronly upper arms girls know about life and love and losing"

  3. 3
    Having the appearance of a mature woman, often of larger physical stature and somewhat unkempt or dowdy.

    "27 April 2009, LA Times https://web.archive.org/web/20090427074230/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2009/04/susan-boyle-gets-a-makeover-is-she-going-hollywood-already.html Gone is her matronly gray frizzy hair and those bushy brows, frumpy frock and old lady pearls."

Adjective
  1. 1
    befitting or characteristic of a fully mature woman wordnet
Adverb
  1. 1
    In the manner of a matron.

    "The mother dressed matronly, in a bonnet and in black, always sat between her two big daughters, firm, directing, and repressed."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From matron + -ly.

Etymology 2

From matron + -ly.

See also for "matronly"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: matronly