What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
motherly
Example
She had a motherly instinct to protect her children from harm. [motherly: adjective]
Example
The teacher had a motherly way of comforting her students when they were upset. [motherly: adverb]
nurturing
Example
The organization provides a nurturing environment for young children to learn and develop. [nurturing: adjective]
Example
She spent hours nurturing her garden, watering the plants and removing the weeds. [nurturing: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nurturing is more commonly used than motherly in everyday language. Nurturing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while motherly is less common and may have a more limited scope.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between motherly and nurturing?
Both motherly and nurturing can be used in formal and informal contexts, but nurturing may be more appropriate in professional or academic settings due to its broader scope and neutral connotation.
