teacherly
|teach-er-ly|
🇺🇸
/ˈtiːtʃɚli/
🇬🇧
/ˈtiːtʃəli/
teacher-like; instructive in manner
Etymology
'teacherly' originates from English, specifically the noun 'teacher' and the suffix '-ly,' where '-ly' meant 'having the qualities of' and 'teacher' ultimately came from Old English 'tæċere' meaning 'one who teaches.'
'tæċere' (from Old English related to 'tǣcan' ‘to teach’) developed into Middle English 'techer/techere' and then Modern English 'teacher'; the addition of the adjectival suffix '-ly' produced the modern English word 'teacherly.'
Initially, it meant 'having the qualities or manner of a teacher,' and over time it has retained this sense while also acquiring a common nuance of 'didactically or somewhat preachily teacher-like.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
characteristic of a teacher, especially in a didactic or instructive (sometimes overly instructive) manner.
Her teacherly tone quieted the room at once.
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Adjective 2
relating to or showing a teaching style; instructive or pedagogical in approach.
He offered teacherly guidance without talking down to anyone.
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Adjective 3
displaying the authority, organization, or calm control typical of a teacher.
With a teacherly calm, she organized the debate and kept it fair.
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Last updated: 2025/08/11 14:51