- avuncular
- a|vun|cu|lar [ ə`vʌŋkjələr ] adjectivean avuncular man is kind and helpful to younger or less experienced people
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.
Avuncular — A*vun cu*lar, a. [L. avunculus uncle.] Of or pertaining to an uncle. [1913 Webster] In these rare instances, the law of pedigree, whether direct or avuncular, gives way. I. Taylor. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
avuncular — (adj.) 1789, from L. avunculus maternal uncle, dim. of avus (see UNCLE (Cf. uncle)) + AR (Cf. ar). Used humorously for of a pawnbroker (uncle was slang for pawnbroker from c.1600 through 19c.). My only good suit is at present under the avuncular… … Etymology dictionary
avuncular — adj. 2 g. Que vem dos tios … Dicionário da Língua Portuguesa
avuncular — ► ADJECTIVE ▪ like an uncle in being friendly towards a younger person. ORIGIN from Latin avunculus maternal uncle … English terms dictionary
avuncular — [ə vuŋ′kyo͞o lər] adj. [< L avunculus, maternal uncle, dim. of avus, ancestor (see ATAVISM) + AR] 1. of an uncle 2. having traits considered typical of uncles; jolly, indulgent, stodgy, etc … English World dictionary
avuncular — [[t]əvʌ̱ŋkjʊlə(r)[/t]] ADJ GRADED: usu ADJ n An avuncular man or a man with avuncular behaviour is friendly and helpful towards someone younger. [FORMAL] he began to talk in his most gentle and avuncular manner … English dictionary
avuncular — adjective /əˈvʌŋkjʊlə,əˈvʌŋkjʊlɚ/ a) In the manner of an uncle, pertaining to an uncle. 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. b)… … Wiktionary
avuncular — adjective Etymology: Latin avunculus maternal uncle more at uncle Date: 1831 1. of or relating to an uncle 2. suggestive of an uncle especially in kindliness or geniality < avuncular indulgence > • avuncularity … New Collegiate Dictionary
avuncular — avuncularity, n. avuncularly, adv. /euh vung kyeuh leuhr/, adj. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of an uncle: avuncular affection. [1825 35; < L avuncul(us) a mother s brother, equiv. to av(us) a forefather + * ont + * l(os) dim. suffix (cf.… … Universalium
avuncular — a|vun|cu|lar [əˈvʌŋkjulə US ər] adj [Date: 1800 1900; : Latin; Origin: avunculus; UNCLE] behaving in a kind and nice way to someone who is younger, rather like an uncle ▪ an avuncular pat on the shoulder … Dictionary of contemporary English