uncle

Everyday

1. An uncle is the brother of your mother or father. tree →
2. An uncle is also the husband of your aunt. tree →
3. Some children call a close family friend «uncle». tree →

In the lessons

In school maths: a person in the story who gives or receives things; ages (uncle older than dad by some years). In everyday life: family trees, visiting aunts and uncles, uncles at family parties. Phrases: «my uncle», «Uncle Tom», «aunts and uncles», «great-uncle» (your grandparent's brother).

Examples

• Her uncle gave her 10 dollars. tree →
• My uncle is 12 years older than my dad. tree →
• She has 2 uncles. tree →
• Uncle Tom bought 5 books. tree →
• My uncle took us fishing at the weekend. tree →
• Your mum's brother is your uncle. tree →
• All my aunts and uncles came to the party. tree →
• My great-uncle is ninety years old. tree →

Note

Countable: «an uncle» (vowel sound). Capital letter with a name: «Uncle Joe». His children are your cousins. Maths: a person; giving adds to the receiver and takes away from the giver. Trap: the age difference stays the same every year.

In Jewish tradition

An uncle is a close relative whose family may help redeem a relative who sold himself.

Interpretation. Tradition counts an uncle's wife among the forbidden marriages and an uncle as one of the relatives who may redeem.

Examples

• And if a man shall lie with his uncle's wife — he hath uncovered his uncle's nakedness — they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless. (Torah LEV.20.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them: 'Draw near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp.' (Torah LEV.10.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• or his uncle, or his uncle's son, may redeem him, or any that is nigh of kin unto him of his family may redeem him; or if he be waxen rich, he may redeem himself. (Torah LEV.25.49, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Saul's uncle said: 'Tell me, I pray thee, what Samuel said unto you.' (Prophets 1SA.10.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• And I bought the field that was in Anathoth of Hanamel mine uncle's son, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of silver. (Prophets JER.32.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• Also Jonathan David's uncle was a counsellor, a man of understanding, and a scribe; and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king's sons; (Writings 1CH.27.32, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: «an uncle» (vowel sound). Capital letter with a name: «Uncle Joe». His children are your cousins. Maths: a person; giving adds to the receiver and takes away from the giver. Trap: the age difference stays the same every year.