avuncular

Definition of avuncular

Etymology

From Latin avunculus ("maternal uncle").

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /əˈvʌŋkjʊlə/, SAMPA: /@"vVN.kjU.l@/
• (US) IPA: /əˈvʌŋkjʊlɚ/
• Audio (US) ^[?]

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.

See also

• materteral