Pronunciation: [mˈʌðələs] (IPA) 
The word "motherless" is spelled with the letter "o" in the first syllable, followed by the letter "th" and the sound /ər/ in the second syllable. The last syllable includes the sound /ləs/. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈmʌðərləs/. This adjective describes someone who has lost their mother or never had a mother. It can also refer to something that lacks maternal care or guidance.
Motherless is an adjective that describes a person or being who has lost their biological or adoptive mother due to death, abandonment, or other circumstances. It indicates the absence of a mother figure in one's life, typically referring to someone who grew up without a mother's nurturing presence or guidance.
The term is often used to highlight the emotional and psychological impact of not having a mother. A motherless individual may experience a range of feelings such as grief, loneliness, or a sense of longing for the maternal bond that they may never fully attain.
Being motherless can have lasting effects on a person's development and relationships. It may impact their ability to form secure attachments, navigate emotional challenges, and seek maternal support. However, it is important to note that individuals who are motherless can still find love and support from other caregivers, family members, or even find role models who assume the nurturing role traditionally fulfilled by a mother figure.
The term "motherless" can also be used metaphorically to describe something that lacks essential nurturing, guidance, or influence, regardless of whether it pertains to actual maternal figures. In this sense, it extends beyond the literal absence of a biological or adoptive mother and can pertain to any situation, group, or entity that lacks the protective and supportive qualities traditionally associated with a mother's role.
Having lost a mother.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "motherless" is derived from the Old English word "mōdorlēas", which is a combination of "mōdor" (meaning "mother") and "lēas" (meaning "without"). Over the centuries, the word evolved to its current form and continued to be used to describe an individual who has lost their mother or never had one.
