Word of the Day : February 26, 2019

avuncular \uh-VUNK-yuh-ler\ adjective

Definition

1 : suggestive of an uncle especially in kindliness or geniality

2 : of or relating to an uncle

Did You Know?

Not all uncles are likeable fellows (Hamlet's murderous Uncle Claudius, for example, isn't exactly Mr. Nice Guy in William 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 19th century 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.

Aired February 26, 2019

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