This week’s theme
Words to describe US presidential candidates

This week’s words
exuberant
senescent
avuncular
sycophantic
indefatigable

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(uh-VUNG-kyuh-luhr)

MEANING:

adjective: Kind, friendly, and helpful, like an uncle, especially in a benevolent or indulgent way.

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. Earliest documented use: 1831.

NOTES:

Originally, the word referred specifically to a mother’s brother, as avunculus meant “maternal uncle” (the “paternal uncle” was patruus). Interestingly, avunculus literally means “little grandfather”. The female counterpart of avuncular is materteral, meaning auntlike:

USAGE:

“Liam Donovan, Republican strategist: [Tim Walz is an] affable character with an avuncular charm befitting a career teacher and coach. Walz’s background as a senior enlisted National Guardsman and his unique path to the governor’s mansion stand out in a sea of elites and strivers.”
What Does Tim Walz Bring to the Ticket?; The New York Times; Aug 6, 2024.

“[Tim Walz] looks the part of a suburban or rural midwestern dad, the kind of guy the word ‘avuncular’ was made for. And it’s not a costume -- the camo hat, jeans, T-shirt and comfortable shoes are his actual clothes.”
Rachel Leingang ; The Evolution of Tim Walz: From High School Teacher to VP Nominee; The Guardian (London, UK); Aug 11, 2024.

See more usage examples of avuncular in Vocabulary.com’s dictionary.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: