How to pronounce avuncular
Say it like uh-VUHNG-kyuh-ler. Avuncular has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VUHNG).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce avuncular. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- VUHNG
- kyuh
- ler
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Avuncular pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- VUHNGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- kyuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
- lerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of avuncular
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uh-VUHNG-kyuh-luh.
What does avuncular mean?
- In the manner of an uncle, pertaining to an uncle.
- Kind, genial, benevolent, or tolerant.
Where does avuncular come from?
From Medieval Latin avunculāris, from Classical Latin avunculus (“maternal uncle”) + -āris (“-ar”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying avuncular
How do you pronounce avuncular?
Say uh-VUHNG-kyuh-ler. The American pronunciation is /əˈvʌŋkjʊlɚ/. In British English it is /əˈvʌŋkjʊlə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in avuncular?
Avuncular has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (VUHNG). Broken into parts: uh · VUHNG · kyuh · ler.
Is avuncular pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /əˈvʌŋkjʊlə/ (uh-VUHNG-kyuh-luh).