avunculate
|a-vunc-u-late|
/əˈvʌŋkjʊleɪt/
uncle-like; act like an uncle
Etymology
'avunculate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'avunculus', where 'avunculus' meant 'mother's brother, maternal uncle'.
'avunculus' (Latin) gave rise to the adjective 'avuncular' in English (via New Latin/modern formation), and English later formed the verb 'avunculate' (19th century usage) by analogy with verbs ending in -ate.
Initially related to the noun meaning 'maternal uncle' and the adjective meaning 'like an uncle'; over time English usage extended this to the verb sense 'to act like an uncle, to show avuncular behavior'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to act in an avuncular manner; to behave like an uncle—showing kindly, advising, or patronizing conduct toward someone younger or less experienced.
She often avunculated the new hires, giving gentle criticism and small favors to help them settle in.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/03 20:52