Meaning & Definition of word "Motherless"
to
Motherless
/ˈmʌðərləs/
adjective:
- 1. Having lost one's mother; bereft of a mother.
- Example: The motherless child looked up at the other families with longing.
- 2. Deprived of maternal care or guidance.
- Example: She felt motherless in a world where she had to make adult decisions without her mother's advice.
- 3. Figuratively deprived of nurturing or comfort often associated with a mother.
- Example: In the harsh city, he felt motherless, surrounded by indifference.
Etymology
Derived from the word 'mother' with the suffix '-less' indicating absence.
Common Phrases and Expressions
motherless child:
A child who has lost their mother, often used to evoke sympathy.
motherless love:
Love that lacks the nurturing and warmth typically associated with a mother.
Related Words
orphan:
A child whose parents are deceased.
bereaved:
Having lost a loved one, especially through death.
Slang Meanings of motherless
Meaning: An informal term to describe someone who feels neglected or abandoned maternal-wise.
Example Sentence: She's acting all motherless after moving out.
Meaning: Refers to someone having a carefree attitude as if they're unbound by maternal rules.
Example Sentence: He was running around like he was motherless at the fair.