different between avuncular vs avuncularly

English

Etymology

From Latin avunculus (“maternal uncle”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /??v??kj?l?/
• (US) IPA^(key): /??v??kj?l?/

Adjective

avuncular (comparative more avuncular, superlative most avuncular)

1. In the manner of an uncle, pertaining to an uncle.

   Synonyms: uncley, unclish

   Coordinate terms: maternal, materteral, paternal
2. (by extension) Kind, genial, benevolent, or tolerant.

   Synonyms: kind, benevolent

   • 1987, William Schneider, "The New Shape of American Politics," The Atlantic, January:

     A man with such a nice, avuncular personality would not blow up the world.

   • 2003, Vicki Croke, "New leader of the MSPCA moves to tame budget woes," Boston Globe, September 20:

     Thornton's reputation was that of a soft-hearted and avuncular veterinarian known for getting teary-eyed while listening to even slightly sentimental stories.

Derived terms

• avuncularism
• avuncularity
• avuncularly
• unavuncular

Translations

See also

• Dutch uncle

English

Etymology

avuncular +? -ly

Adverb

avuncularly (comparative more avuncularly, superlative most avuncularly)

1. In an avuncular way.