avuncular

Avuncular is an adjective meaning relating to an uncle; more broadly, it can describe the behavior of an uncle. It is used to refer to kinship terms or relations involving the mother’s brother, but it is also employed metaphorically to denote a kindly, protective, or mentor-like demeanor toward younger relatives. In literature and criticism, avuncular can imply a genial, slightly indulgent tone associated with an uncle figure.

Etymology: Avuncular comes from the Latin avunculus, meaning “mother’s brother,” through Old French into English. The adjective has been in use since the early modern period. A related noun is avuncularity, which denotes the quality of being avuncular.

Usage: In scholarly writing, avuncular is common when discussing kinship terms or cultural practices involving uncles. In everyday speech it is somewhat formal or literary; more common expressions include “uncle-like” or “like an uncle.” Example: “He took an avuncular interest in his nephew’s education.”