nomdeplume

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An avuncular man is kind-hearted and friendly. What word describes a woman with similar characteristics?

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+1 Views: 769 Answers: 4 Posted: 12 years ago

4 Answers

Bob/PKB

Karma: 945575

Best answer!

avuncular

PRONUNCIATION:
(uh-VUNG-kyuh-luhr)
MEANING:
adjective: In the manner of an uncle, in benevolence, affection, or good humor.

The female counterpart of the word is materteral, meaning auntlike.

ETYMOLOGY:
From Latin avunculus (maternal uncle), diminutive of avus (grandfather). Ultimately from the Indo-European root awo- (an adult male relative), which is also the source of atavism, uncle, and ayah.

NOTES:
Originally the term referred to a mother's brother, from avunculus meaning maternal uncle (paternal uncle was patruus). What's fascinating is how it describes an uncle: avunculus, meaning a little grandfather. The word uncle is slang for a pawnbroker, so the word avuncular could also mean like a pawnbroker.

12 years ago. Rating: 3
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nomdeplume

Interesting, the bit about the pawnbroker. In France 'chez ma tante' ( my aunt's house) means the pawnbroker.

commented 12 years ago

Bob/PKB

If my nephew ever referred to my house as the pawnbroker, I'm not sure if I'd laugh or be irritated....for sure, there's enough stuff around here that's just been dropped off, from dogs to car batteries to coffee makers. I may not have given anybody money for it, but....

commented 12 years ago

Ducky