Avuncular (adjective)
- Of or having to do with an uncle.
- Resembling an uncle; friendly; helpful; kind, patient, and indulgent.
z Avuncular is often used not in the strict “uncle” sense but in the
more general “patient and kind” sense, as in such phrases as
avuncular charm or avuncular indulgence.z Avuncular comes from the Latin avunculus, which means “maternal
uncle” and is the ultimate source of the English word uncle. To
remember avuncular, highlight the unc part of the word and link it
to your favorite uncle.- Distinguish between the words salubrious and salutary.
- Sheila bustled about in an __ manner, meddling in the work of
everyone in her department. - Unlike Sheila, Walter was an __ coworker, always willing to
help out when needed but never offering unwanted advice. - This word is a slightly nastier synonym for trenchant.
- The __ fumes caused watery eyes, coughing, and headaches
among the lab technicians. - Both the conversation and the wine at the party were delightfully
__. - Hillary’s __ rumors worked their magic; by the end of the
week, no one in the group would even speak to Maureen.
Review Questions