uncle
An uncle is the brother of one's father or mother, or the husband of one's aunt. It is a term used to describe a specific male relative within a family structure.
Examples
3 of 5My uncle lives in a big house in the countryside.
My mother or father's brother lives in a large rural home.
The property was legally transferred to his paternal uncle.
The land was officially given to the brother of his father.
Hey, Uncle Joe, are you coming to the party tonight?
Hello, Joe (my relative), are you attending the celebration?
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Uncle' ending in 'LE' for 'maLE' relative.
Quick Quiz
My mother's brother is my ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: uncle
Examples
My uncle lives in a big house in the countryside.
everydayMy mother or father's brother lives in a large rural home.
The property was legally transferred to his paternal uncle.
formalThe land was officially given to the brother of his father.
Hey, Uncle Joe, are you coming to the party tonight?
informalHello, Joe (my relative), are you attending the celebration?
The anthropological study examines the role of the maternal uncle in tribal societies.
academicThe research looks at the position of the mother's brother in specific communities.
He joined the corporation founded by his late uncle.
businessHe started working at the company started by his deceased male relative.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Bob's your uncle
everything is fine / it's as simple as that
say uncle
to admit defeat or surrender
Dutch uncle
someone who gives firm, blunt advice
Often Confused With
An uncle is male, while an aunt is female.
An uncle is the older relative (parent's brother); a nephew is the younger relative (sibling's son).
Usage Notes
Capitalize 'Uncle' when it is used as a title before a name, such as Uncle Sam. Use lowercase when it is used as a general noun, such as 'my uncle'.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 'uncle' with 'nephew' because they are both male family roles. Also, remember that 'uncle' can refer to a man married to your parent's sibling, not just a blood relative.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Uncle' ending in 'LE' for 'maLE' relative.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French word 'oncle', which comes from the Latin 'avunculus', meaning 'mother's brother'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking cultures, children may call close male family friends 'Uncle' as a sign of affection and respect, even if there is no biological relation.
Quick Quiz
My mother's brother is my ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: uncle
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
A niece is the daughter of your brother or sister. It also r...
familyA family is a group of people who are related to each other,...
grandfatherA grandfather is the father of a person's father or mother....
auntThe sister of one's father or mother, or the wife of one's u...
nephewA nephew is the son of a person's brother or sister. It can...
cousinA cousin is the child of your aunt or uncle. It is a family...
More Family words
mom
A1A mom is a female parent who cares for and raises her children. It is a warm and informal name used to call or talk about one's mother.
daughter
A1A daughter is a female child or person in relation to her parents. It refers to the biological or legal relationship of a girl or woman to her mother and father.
sibling
A1A sibling is a brother or a sister. It is a general word used to describe people who have the same parents, regardless of their gender.
teenager
A1A teenager is a young person between the ages of 13 and 19. This term is used to describe the period of life when a person is no longer a child but not yet a full adult.
husband
A1A husband is a married man in relation to his spouse. It is a term used to describe a male partner in a marriage or a legally recognized union.
grandmother
A1A grandmother is the mother of a person's father or mother. She is a female ancestor who is two generations older than the person.
grandparent
A1A grandparent is the parent of one's father or mother. It is a general term that refers to either a grandfather or a grandmother within a family structure.
grandson
A1A grandson is the son of one's son or daughter. It is a term used to describe a male child in relation to his grandparents.
granddaughter
A1A granddaughter is the daughter of a person's son or daughter. It describes the relationship between a female child and her grandparents.
grandchild
A1A grandchild is the child of one's son or daughter. It represents the second generation of descendants after one's own children.
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