Word of the Day: AVUNCULAR
If uncle was an adjective
avuncular (adj) - of, pertaining to, or like an uncle; genial, helpful, and kindly, especially to someone younger or less experienced [uh-vuhng-kyuh-ler]
materteral means of, pertaining to, or like an aunt
BREAKDOWN: The fascinating descriptor avuncular comes directly from the Latin avunculus meaning maternal uncle. This word itself is a diminutive of the latin avus meaning grandfather.
“The current popular image of Zeus as a cheerful, avuncular type perplexes me. I know it comes from a silly kids’ movie, but I’m not sure they could have gotten it more wrong. Zeus was never avuncular... His actions clearly paint him as skeevy to the max and the most despicable of examples. He’s not the kind of god that belongs in kids’ films. He’s the kind that releases the kraken.” —Kevin Hearne
[Fun Word Friday introduces more advanced or technical words that are based on word roots. Yes, these words may still be tested on standardized exams. Try to use this word in a sentence today!]