avuncular
of or relating to an uncle: He spoke of his sister's son with avuncular pride.
acting like an uncle, as in being kind, patient, generous, etc., especially to younger people: the avuncular, slightly condescending boss of a toy company.
Origin of avuncular
1Other words from avuncular
- a·vun·cu·lar·i·ty [uh-vuhng-kyuh-lar-i-tee] /əˌvʌŋ kyəˈlær ɪ ti/ noun
- a·vun·cu·lar·ly, adverb
Words Nearby avuncular
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use avuncular in a sentence
There’s a world of difference between Lindell, with his conspiracy theory-fuelled, feverish pleading for those in power to take his claims seriously, and Cuffe’s avuncular small-town sincerity.
Constantine—a lifelong cut-up who loves avuncular humor—dubbed these talks “scuba diving in the mind.”
Meet the Couple Who Just Set 5 Long-Distance Hiking Records | awise | January 7, 2022 | Outside OnlineAssuming an avuncular tone, the elder crow apologizes for smacking you on your noggin before going on to explain that it, too, used to work as a reaper.
It was more of a plea than a poem — the avuncular words of an ordinary Joe.
America yearns for an era of good feeling. The inaugural ceremony launched one. | Peter Marks | January 20, 2021 | Washington PostFDR gives an avuncular grin around his famous cigarette holder to Andrew Jackson.
The 100 Coolest Americans Gather at the National Portrait Gallery | William O’Connor | February 7, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
“You paid good money for this,” says the Vacuum Cleaner Guy (brilliantly played by an avuncular but ruthless Robert Forster).
‘Granite State,’ the Penultimate Episode of ‘Breaking Bad,’ Is Walter White’s Final Act | Andrew Romano | September 23, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTAt precisely 11:00, NRA president David Keene plodded slowly to the podium, bespectacled, white haired, and avuncular.
From Cairo, Ashraf Khalil reports on the clash between an aggressive Amr Moussa and avuncular Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh.
Moussa, Aboul Fotouh Spar in Egypt’s Epic First Presidential Debate | Ashraf Khalil | May 11, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTEven more polite than Jay, Brian Leveson gives off the avuncular air of a kindly head master.
For those who, with Mller, suppose Hengest to be brother of Hnf, will have to admit the avuncular difficulty in him also.
Beowulf | R. W. ChambersHe merely smiled benignly upon Caput in an avuncular fashion.
By Advice of Counsel | Arthur TrainThe avuncular countenance lighted up: here were fresh woods and pastures new to that ancient shepherd.
Flora lingering at her avuncular pleasures, she herself went to the closet and took down a dress.
V. V.'s Eyes | Henry Sydnor HarrisonThe time would soon come when the avuncular character would be more difficult to support than that of a rejected absentee.
The Honour of the Clintons | Archibald Marshall
British Dictionary definitions for avuncular
/ (əˈvʌŋkjʊlə) /
of or concerned with an uncle
resembling an uncle; friendly; helpful
Origin of avuncular
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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