sisterly

[sis-ter-lee]

adjective

1. of, like, or befitting a sister.

   sisterly affection.

adverb

1. in the manner of a sister; as a sister.

sisterly

/ ˈsɪstəlɪ /

adjective

1. of, resembling, or suitable to a sister, esp in showing kindness and affection

Other Word Forms

• sisterliness noun
• unsisterly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sisterly¹

First recorded in 1560–70; sister + -ly

Example Sentences

They rewarded fans with a high-voltage set, full of delirious hooks and crisp choreography, while highlighting their sisterly bond.

From BBC

Two sisters competing in Race Across the World have said taking part in the tough contest has strengthened their sisterly bond.

From BBC

"It was incredibly difficult to let her do that for me," she says, "it's a huge act of sisterly love."

From BBC

Their support feels like the sisterly relationship I write about not having so much throughout the book.

From Los Angeles Times

But, as the years went on, showbusiness seemed to be overshadowed for Linda and her siblings by a personal and family life marked by turmoil, tragedy and the breakdown of sisterly bonds.

From BBC

Related Words

• able 
• capable 
• competent 
• conscientious 
• effective 
• efficient 
• loyal 
• rational 
• reliable 
• sensible 

When To Use

What does sisterly mean?

Sisterly is an adjective that most commonly means like a sister. It’s especially used in a positive way to describe someone as being loyal, supportive, and protective—like a good sister who loves and cares about you.Describing someone as sisterly sometimes implies that they’re like an older sister who can give good advice.Sisterly is most often used to describe sisters themselves and the sisterly things they do, but it can be applied to someone who’s not a sister, as in I don’t have a sister, but I always rely on Jane for sisterly support. Sisterly can also be used as an adverb meaning in the manner of a sister.Sisterly is one of many similar terms based on family relations, including brotherly, motherly, fatherly, grandmotherly, and grandfatherly.Example: I’m lucky that my sisters and I have always shared a sisterly affection—we all support each other.