Word of the Day

: October 5, 2009

avuncular

adjective uh-VUNK-yuh-ler

What It Means

1 : of or relating to an uncle

2 : suggestive of an uncle especially in kindliness or geniality

avuncular in Context

The avuncular orthodontist joked with his young patient, attempting to set her mind at ease about getting fitted for braces.

Did You Know?

Not all uncles are likeable fellows (Hamlet's murderous Uncle Claudius, for example, isn't exactly Mr. Nice Guy in Shakespeare's tragedy), but "avuncular" reveals that, as a group, uncles are generally seen as affable and benevolent, if at times a bit patronizing. "Avuncular" derives from the Latin noun "avunculus," which translates as "maternal uncle," but since at least the 1830s English speakers have used "avuncular" to refer to uncles from either side of the family or even to individuals who are simply uncle-like in character or behavior. And in case you were wondering, "avunculus" is also an ancestor of the word "uncle" itself.