uncle
/'ʌɳkl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A male relative: The brother of one's father or mother, or the husband of one's aunt.
- A kindly older man: A friendly or helpful older man, often used as a term of respect or affection.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- My uncle is visiting us this weekend. (This refers to a specific male relative, such as a parent's brother.)
- He was like an uncle to me, always offering guidance. (This uses "uncle" figuratively to describe a supportive, non-biological relationship.)
Advanced Usage
- "Uncle Sam": A personification of the United States government or its people.
- The poster featured Uncle Sam pointing, saying "I Want You."
- "To say/cry uncle" (informal): To admit defeat or surrender.
- He refused to say uncle, even after losing the third round.
- "To talk like a Dutch uncle": To give firm, serious, and often critical advice in a kindly manner.
- My boss talked to me like a Dutch uncle about my punctuality.
Variants and Related Words
- Unclehood (n, rare): The state of being an uncle.
- Uncle-in-law (n): The husband of one's aunt, or the uncle of one's spouse.
Synonyms
- Relative: A person connected by blood or marriage.
- Kinsman: A male relative.
- Mentor: An experienced advisor (for the figurative sense).
Related Phrases
- "Bob's your uncle" (British, informal): Used to indicate that something will be easily accomplished.
- Just add water, heat it up, and Bob's your uncle—dinner is ready.
Related Idioms
- "Uncle Tom" (often derogatory): A term for a Black person perceived as overly subservient to white authority. (Note: This idiom originates from a literary character and carries significant historical and cultural weight.)
- "Uncle Sugar" (informal, US): A sarcastic personification of the federal government as a source of handouts.
Noun
- a source of help and advice and encouragement
- he played uncle to lonely students
- the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt