avuncular

American  

[uh-vuhng-kyuh-ler] / əˈvʌŋ kyə lər /

adjective

1. of or relating to an uncle.

   He spoke of his sister's son with avuncular pride.

2. acting like an uncle, as in being kind, patient, generous, etc., especially to younger people.

   the avuncular, slightly condescending boss of a toy company.

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avuncular British  

/ əˈvʌŋkjʊlə /

adjective

1. of or concerned with an uncle

2. resembling an uncle; friendly; helpful

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Other Word Forms

• avuncularity noun
• avuncularly adverb

Etymology

Origin of avuncular

First recorded in 1825–35; from Latin avuncul(us) “a mother's brother,” equivalent to av(us) “a forefather” + unattested -ont- + unattested -l(os) diminutive suffix ( uncle ) + -ar ¹

Example Sentences

Here is the quintessential Westerner about to transform himself from Honest Abe the rail-splitter into Father Abraham, the avuncular statesman capable of handling the looming crisis over disunion and slavery.

From The Wall Street Journal

At an appearance at the University of Mannheim in southwest Germany, Breuer, in his gray-jacketed dress uniform, sprang from his chair, transforming what had been an avuncular presence into one of studied intensity.

From The Wall Street Journal

She finds help in the avuncular Rabbi Meyer, who steps in as her guardian and advises, “you must learn how to act according to what people say and do, not what they wish or fear.”

From The Wall Street Journal

And Mr. McKellen is mildly avuncular, radiating a stealthy, benevolent attitude.

From The Wall Street Journal

That is why producers like Moritz work to land them far in advance and why Gelfond has transformed from an avuncular dealmaker into one of Hollywood’s most sought-after arbiters of power.

From The Wall Street Journal