avuncular Definition
kind and friendly towards a younger or less experienced person, like an uncle.
Using avuncular: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "avuncular" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He had an avuncular relationship with his young nephew.
Example
The teacher's avuncular manner put the students at ease.
Example
The coach was known for his avuncular advice to his players.
avuncular Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for avuncular
Phrases with avuncular
avuncular DNA
a genetic relationship between an uncle and his niece or nephew
Example
The avuncular DNA test confirmed that he was indeed the biological uncle of the child.
a custom in some societies where an uncle marries his niece
Example
Avunculate marriage was practiced by some Native American tribes.
avunculicide
the killing of one's uncle
Example
The motive for the avunculicide was unclear.
Origins of avuncular
from Latin 'avunculus', meaning 'maternal uncle'
Summary: avuncular in Brief
'Avuncular' [əˈvʌŋkjʊlər] describes someone who is kind and friendly towards a younger or less experienced person, like an uncle. It can be used to describe a person's manner or behavior, as in 'The teacher's avuncular manner put the students at ease.' The term comes from the Latin word 'avunculus,' meaning 'maternal uncle.' Phrases like 'avuncular DNA' and 'avunculate marriage' refer to relationships between uncles and nieces or nephews.