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

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    +1  Views: 770 Answers: 4 Posted: 12 years ago
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      4 Answers

       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

        Av-aunt-ular of course!    :)

        12 years ago. Rating: 5
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          The same way.........

          12 years ago. Rating: 4
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            nomdeplume

            Surely not 'an avuncular woman' the word is derived from 'uncle'.
            commented 12 years ago
            Ducky

            Moderator
            So my answer is right nom?
            commented 12 years ago
            nomdeplume

            Best so far Ducky, though avaunt means begone.
            commented 12 years ago
            Ducky

            Moderator
            We'll just have to ignore that part. :)
            commented 12 years ago

            had a good heart.

            12 years ago. Rating: 2
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