avuncular

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Translations 1.4 See also

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Latin avunculus (“‘maternal uncle’”).

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /əˈvʌŋkjʊlə/, SAMPA: /@"vVN.kjU.l@/
• (US) IPA: /əˈvʌŋkjʊlɚ/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Adjective

avuncular (comparative more avuncular, superlative most avuncular)

1. In the manner of an uncle, pertaining to an uncle.
   • David Nokes, Jane Austen: A Life

     Both uncle Frank and uncle Stephen Austen had made it a point of principle to be rigorously unsentimental in the discharge of their avuncular obligations.

2. Hence, kind, genial, benevolent or tolerant.
   • Vicki Croke, "New leader of the MSPCA moves to tame budget woes," Boston Globe, September 20, 2003

     Thornton's reputation was that of a soft-hearted and avuncular veterinarian known for getting teary-eyed while listening to even slightly sentimental stories.

   • William Schneider, "The New Shape of American Politics," The Atlantic, January 1987

     A man with such a nice, avuncular personality would not blow up the world.

[edit] Translations

[edit] See also

• materteral