1. in a kind, friendly manner like that of an uncle; in a benevolently paternal way

Examples

• The professor smiled avuncularly at his nervous students before the exam.
• He patted the young man’s shoulder avuncularly and offered some advice.
• The elderly neighbor spoke avuncularly to the children playing in his yard.
• The boss nodded avuncularly when the intern asked for guidance.
• She was greeted avuncularly by her father’s old friend at the reunion.
• The judge addressed the young defendant avuncularly, offering words of wisdom.