Meaning & use
matronly figure
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Meanings
phrasecountable
the shape or appearance of a dignified, fuller-bodied older woman, especially her body as seen from a distance.
Grammar: Countable phrase: 'a matronly figure', 'matronly figures'. Usually used after 'a' or with a describing adjective.
Patterns
- a matronly figure in something
- cut a matronly figure
- a matronly figure of a woman
From across the hall I could see a matronly figure in a dark coat waiting by the door.
The portrait shows a matronly figure seated with her hands folded in her lap.
She cut a matronly figure at the wedding, calm and beautifully dressed.
phrasecountablefigurative
a person thought of as a steady, motherly presence within a group or organization.
Grammar: Countable and often figurative: the person need not be old or large, only motherly in role.
Patterns
- a matronly figure in something
- serve as a matronly figure
- a matronly figure to someone
For years she was a matronly figure in the office, the one everyone went to with problems.
He became a matronly figure to the young players, feeding them and listening to their worries.
Word forms
| plural | matronly figures |
|---|
Common combinations
- a matronly figure in black
- A matronly figure in black stood at the back of the church.
- cut a matronly figure
- In her long grey dress she cut a matronly figure beside the younger guests.
- a rather matronly figure
- The new head of department was a rather matronly figure with a warm laugh.
- a matronly figure of a woman
- A matronly figure of a woman opened the door and invited us in.
- a matronly figure to the children
- To the children at the shelter she was a matronly figure, always ready with soup and advice.
Synonyms and how they differ
- motherly figure
- Emphasizes warmth and care rather than age or build, so it usually sounds kinder.
- stately woman
- Focuses on dignity and impressive bearing, without suggesting a fuller body.
- dowager
- A more formal, old-fashioned word for a dignified older woman, often of high social rank.
Word family
Commonly confused: matronly figure or materially? matronly figure or maternal?
matronly figure vs materially
Sounds a little similar but means 'in an important or financial way', as in 'materially different'.
matronly figure vs maternal
Describes motherly feelings or the mother's side of a family, not a person's build or dignity.
Practice
Which sentence uses the phrase most naturally?
Choose one answer.
The phrase describes a dignified older woman, so it fits a person greeting you at a door. Option 0 wrongly applies it to a car, option 2 uses it as a verb, and option 3 confuses it with 'figure of speech'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “matronly figure”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.