great-uncle

Thân thiện

My great-uncle tells fascinating stories about his travels.

Definition

Noun 1. A brother of one's grandparent: A great-uncle is the brother of either your grandmother or your grandfather. This makes him one generation older than your parent.

Usage

• The term "great-uncle" is used to specify a specific family relationship. It is a formal and precise term.
• It is commonly used in genealogical contexts, family histories, and when explaining family trees.
• In everyday conversation, many people simply use the term "uncle" for this relative, especially if they are close, but "great-uncle" is the technically correct term.

Examples

• "My great-uncle served in the war; he was my grandfather's younger brother."
• "I discovered an old photograph of my great-uncle Charles in the attic."
• "She went to visit her great-uncle, who is 95 years old."

Advanced Usage

• The term can be hyphenated ("great-uncle") or written as one word ("greatuncle"), though the hyphenated form is more common in modern English.
• The female equivalent is "great-aunt."
• The prefix "great-" in family terms indicates one additional generation of removal. A "great-great-uncle" would be the brother of a great-grandparent.

Variants and Related Words

• Granduncle: This is a less common, but perfectly acceptable, synonym for "great-uncle." It follows the same pattern as "grandparent."
• Great-aunt (n): The sister of one's grandparent.
• Uncle (n): The brother of one's parent or the husband of one's aunt.

Synonyms

• Granduncle

Notes on Meaning

The definition is specific and refers only to a direct familial relationship. It does not have idiomatic or metaphorical meanings. The term is always used in the context of family lineage.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an uncle of your father or mother

Từ đồng nghĩa

• granduncle