Meaning & use

avuncular

adjective·Advanced

Of or resembling a kind, friendly uncle, especially in manner toward younger people.

See it in a sentence

The old professor had an avuncular way of putting nervous students at ease.

He offered avuncular advice to the new interns on their first day.

A note on using this word

Avuncular is formal and nearly always positive, suggesting warmth and mild authority rather than any negative trait.

Words with a similar meaning

fatherlykindly

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