Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Characteristic of or befitting a mature, married woman, especially one who is dignified, staid, or motherly in appearance or manner: The term describes qualities, appearance, or behavior traditionally associated with a respectable, often older, married woman.
   • Having a full, mature, and often somewhat heavy figure, typically associated with middle age: This sense refers specifically to a physical appearance that is plump, ample, or no longer youthful in a way considered typical for a mature woman.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • She adopted a matronly air of authority when supervising the volunteers.
  • The dress gave her a comfortable, matronly silhouette.
  • Her matronly advice was always wise and kind.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes carry a slightly negative or dated connotation when used to imply a woman is no longer youthful, attractive in a conventional sense, or is overly staid.
  • The fashion magazine criticized the outfit for making the young actress look prematurely matronly.
• It can be used to describe objects or styles that evoke this quality.
  • The room was furnished in a matronly style, with heavy drapes and dark wood.

Variants and Related Words

• Matron (n): A married woman, especially one who is mature and dignified. Often used for a woman in charge of domestic arrangements in an institution (e.g., ).
  • The hospital matron oversaw the nursing staff.
• Matronhood (n): The state or time of being a matron.
  • She entered matronhood with grace and responsibility.

Synonyms

• Dignified: Having or showing a composed or serious manner.
• Staid: Sedate, respectable, and unadventurous.
• Motherly: Characteristic of a mother, especially in being caring, protective, and kind.
• Dowdy (often negative): Lacking stylishness or neatness; unfashionable.

Antonyms

• Girlish: Resembling or characteristic of a girl.
• Youthful: Young or seeming young.
• Svelte: Slender and elegant.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A matronly figure: A common phrase used to describe a woman's physical build as full and mature.
  • In her later years, she developed a matronly figure.
• Matronly duties: Refers to responsibilities associated with managing a household or an institution.
  • She attended to her matronly duties with efficiency.

Adjective

1. befitting or characteristic of a fully mature woman
   • her matronly figure