uncle
uncle — noun
1. a man who is the brother of one of your parents, or who is married to one of you
a man who is the brother of one of your parents, or who is married to one of your aunts
Every Sunday, our family gathers at Grandma's house and Uncle Tunde brings his famous pie.
title pattern: Uncle + first name
My uncle in Tokyo sends me a birthday card every year.
Haruto's uncle taught him how to fish when he was six years old.
After my parents divorced, both my uncles helped take care of us on weekends.
- aunt
the female equivalent — sister of one's parent or wife of one's uncle
文法句型
possessive + uncle
Uncle + first name
用法筆記
Countable noun. English does not distinguish between a father's brother and a mother's brother — both are called 'uncle', unlike Chinese which uses different terms such as 叔叔 and 舅舅. Frequently used with a possessive determiner (my uncle, her uncle) or as a title before a first name (Uncle Tunde).
常見錯誤
2. a friendly label a child gives to any grown man the family knows well, like a ne
a friendly label a child gives to any grown man the family knows well, like a neighbour or a parent's old friend
Uncle Theo from next door always helps me carry my school bag.
address form for a non-relative neighbour
Can you ask Uncle Imran if he wants to join us for dinner?
When I was little, I called all my parents' male friends uncle.
The little girl waved at the postman and shouted, 'Good morning, Uncle!'
文法句型
Uncle + first name
call [someone] uncle
用法筆記
Mainly used by children or adults speaking to children. The title 'Uncle' is followed by the person's first name, not their surname. This usage implies a warm, familiar relationship rather than a formal one. Less common in professional or school settings.
常見錯誤
3. an older man who provides help, guidance, and emotional support, especially when
an older man who provides help, guidance, and emotional support, especially when the person does not have a father figure in their life
The old librarian became an uncle to the children at the shelter.
figurative: became an uncle to [group]
For many young players, Coach Sivan was an uncle they could trust.
metaphor: uncle they could trust
Mr. Chen was a wise uncle I counted on whenever I needed career advice.
When Tariq's father passed away, his basketball coach stepped in and became an uncle to him.
The retired teacher acted as an uncle to the young immigrants, helping them settle in.
- mentor
focuses on teaching and professional guidance; less emotional than 'uncle' in this sense
- father figure
implies a stronger parental role; more emotionally intense
- guardian
implies legal responsibility; more formal
文法句型
become an uncle to [someone]
be an uncle to [someone]
a wise uncle
用法筆記
Used figuratively to describe a supportive older male who is not a blood relative. Often appears in the pattern 'be an uncle to [someone]' or 'become an uncle to [someone]'. This sense carries a warm, affectionate tone and implies long-term trust.