avunculize
|a-vunc-u-lize|
🇺🇸
/əˈvʌŋkjəlaɪz/
🇬🇧
/əˈvʌŋkjʊlaɪz/
act like an uncle
Etymology
'avunculize' originates from Modern English formation combining the adjective 'avuncular' and the verbalizing suffix '-ize' (via Greek/Latin formation), where 'avuncular' ultimately comes from Latin 'avunculus' meaning 'maternal uncle'.
'avunculize' is built from 'avuncular' (from Latin 'avunculus') plus '-ize' (from Greek '-izein' through Latin '-izare'), reflecting a typical English process of creating verbs meaning 'to make or act like' an adjective.
Initially related words such as 'avuncular' meant 'of or like an uncle,' and the verbal form developed to mean 'to behave like an uncle' or 'to give avuncular qualities or treatment.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to behave in an avuncular manner toward someone; to act like an uncle — kindly, indulgently, and often with benign guidance.
The senior professor avunculized the new graduates, offering gentle advice and introductions to colleagues.
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Verb 2
to endow or cause to take on avuncular characteristics; to make something or someone avuncular in quality or style.
The campaign's messaging was avunculized to appeal to older voters with reassuring, friendly tones.
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Last updated: 2025/12/03 21:06