Daughterly Meaning: Definition and Examples
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daughterly
[ˈdɔːtərli ]
Definition
family relationship
Daughterly refers to qualities or characteristics that are typically associated with a daughter. It often implies behaviors, attitudes, or duties that are expected from a daughter toward her parents or family. The term can encompass affection, respect, support, or care shown by a daughter. Often used in discussions of familial roles, it highlights the emotional bond and obligations that might exist within a family dynamic.
Synonyms
affectionate, filial, parental.
Examples of usage
- She showed daughterly love by taking care of her elderly parents.
- His daughterly responsibilities included helping with household chores.
- In her daughterly manner, she listened attentively to her mother's stories.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, the role of a daughter is deeply intertwined with family honor and responsibilities.
- Literature often portrays daughters as caregivers, depicting their relationship with parents as critical to family dynamics.
- Daughters in folklore sometimes symbolize the continuity of family heritage, especially in societies valuing lineage.
Psychology
- Research shows that the bond between parents and daughters can significantly influence emotional development and resilience.
- Positive daughterly behaviors are linked to higher levels of empathy and social skills in young girls.
- Daughters are often seen as caregivers not just for parents but for siblings, helping shape their leadership qualities.
Literature
- Daughters feature prominently in many novels as protagonists facing societal challenges related to gender.
- Shakespeare often explored daughterly relationships, notably in plays like 'King Lear', highlighting loyalty and conflict.
- Modern stories frequently showcase daughterly strength, portraying young women overcoming obstacles to support their families.
Origin of 'daughterly'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the Old English 'dohtor', which means female child.
- In languages like Latin and Spanish, terms for daughter often share roots, emphasizing the importance of familial relationships.
- The suffix '-ly' indicates a manner or quality, so 'daughterly' describes behaviors typical of daughters.
The word 'daughterly' derives from the Old English term 'dohtor', meaning 'daughter'. This word has roots in Proto-Germanic *duhter, which referred to a female child or daughter. The suffix '-ly' is added to adjectives to form adverbs or adjectives expressing the manner of something. Therefore, 'daughterly' signifies a manner inherent to daughters. The term emphasizes the traditional expectations placed on daughters throughout various cultures, particularly in terms of caregiving and emotional support. Over the centuries, the definition of daughterly qualities has evolved, reflecting societal changes in family dynamics and gender roles. Nevertheless, it retains the core essence of familial affection and duty in contemporary language.