aunt
aunt
Pronunciation
ɑːnt (primarily British English and some American dialects)
ˈænt (primarily American English and some Canadian dialects)
Syllable Breakdown:
ˈɑːnt
[ɑː] - a long "ah" sound
[n] - an "n" sound
[t] - a "t" sound
ˈænt
[æ] - a short "a" sound (as in "cat")
[n] - an "n" sound
[t] - a "t" sound
Word Form Variations
Singular: aunt
Plural: aunts
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A female sibling of one's father or mother.
Synonyms: paternal aunt, maternal aunt
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for a specific family relationship)
The wife of one's uncle.
Synonyms: aunt-in-law
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
(Informal, often affectionate) An older woman, not necessarily a relative, who is a close friend of one's parents or family, or who holds a respected position in the community.
Synonyms: madam, matron, older woman
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Examples of Use
Books:
"Harry lived in the cupboard under the stairs, but that was all going to change, as his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon had decided to move him into Dudley's second bedroom." (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone)
"My Aunt Mary was always baking something delicious for us when we visited her farm." (General reference to a common family narrative in children's literature)
Newspapers:
"Local woman, known to many as 'Aunt Susan' for her community work, celebrated her 90th birthday this past weekend." (Hypothetical local newspaper article, e.g., The Daily Chronicle)
"The article detailed how an American couple's trip to Italy involved a heartwarming reunion with a long-lost aunt living in a small Tuscan village." (Hypothetical international news story, e.g., The New York Times)
Online Publications:
"The best advice I ever received came from my Aunt Carol, who always encouraged me to pursue my passions, no matter how unconventional." (Blog post on a personal development site, e.g., Lifehacker.com)
"In a viral TikTok, a young woman shares a video of her mischievous aunt attempting to prank her during a family gathering." (Article on a pop culture news site, e.g., BuzzFeed News)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television Show: "Remember that episode of Friends where Ross's eccentric Aunt Sylvia comes to visit and causes chaos?" (Reference to a common comedic trope in sitcoms like Friends)
Film: "In Disney's Encanto, Mirabel's Aunt Pepa has a magical ability to control the weather with her emotions." (Reference to a specific character in the animated film Encanto)
Podcast: "On this week's episode, we discuss the challenges of caring for an aging relative, specifically focusing on the story of a listener's devoted relationship with her great-aunt." (True-crime or human-interest podcast, e.g., This American Life)
Song Lyrics: "My aunt told me stories of the old country, / Of fields of green and skies so wide." (Hypothetical folk song lyrics)
General Public Discourse:
"I'm going over to my aunt's house for dinner tonight. She makes the best lasagna!" (Everyday conversation between friends)
"My aunt is always sending me articles about natural remedies. She's really into holistic health." (Casual conversation about a family member's interests)
"It's really important to me that my kids have a strong relationship with their aunts and uncles." (Parent discussing family values)
10 Famous Quotes Using Aunt
"If ants have aunts, do they call them anties?" (Steven Wright)
"My aunt says I'm a mess. I say, 'At least I'm an organized mess.'" (Unknown)
"An aunt is a safe haven for a child. Someone who will always be on their side." (Sara Sheridan, Truth and Dare)
"Every house, every street, every town, every country had an aunt. Someone you could rely on." (Metaphorical, evoking the supportive nature of an aunt)
"Aunts are always offering unsolicited advice, especially on matters of the heart." (Lesser-known quote, reflecting common experience)
"I suppose you could say she was my aunt by affection, if not by blood." (Original quote, highlighting a chosen family relationship)
"Sometimes the most important lessons are learned not from parents, but from an understanding aunt." (Original quote, emphasizing an aunt's unique role)
"My aunt, she's like a second mother, always there to listen and offer a hug." (Original quote, illustrating a close bond)
"She had the wisdom of an ancient aunt, and the mischievous twinkle of a child." (Original quote, combining characteristics)
"Aunts are godmothers without the magical powers, but with all the love." (Original quote, drawing a parallel to a positive figure)
Etymology
The word "aunt" has a pretty old and interesting family history of its own!
It ultimately comes from the Latin word "amita," which specifically meant "father's sister."
From Latin, it traveled into Old French as "ante." Over time, in the 13th century, a slightly different version, "tante," also appeared in French, which is where the modern French "tante" comes from.
English then borrowed "aunt" from these Old French forms (specifically Anglo-French "aunte"). We first see "aunt" used in English around the 14th century. At that time, its primary meaning was simply "the sister of one's father or mother."
Interestingly, Old English (the version of English spoken before the Norman conquest) had different words for paternal aunts and maternal aunts, but these were eventually replaced by the borrowed "aunt."
So, in a nutshell, "aunt" is a word that came to English from French, but its roots are much older, going back to Latin, where it originally referred specifically to your father's sister. Over time, its meaning broadened to include your mother's sister and even the wife of your uncle.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Aunt
Aunt Sally: (An idiom, primarily British English) A person or idea that is easily criticized or attacked; a target for abuse.
To visit one's aunt: (Lesser-known/euphemism) To go to the toilet. (More common in older, informal British English.)
Aunts' convention: (Original phrase) A gathering of many opinionated or talkative women, often implying a lively or slightly chaotic atmosphere.
Like an old aunt: (Original phrase) Behaving in a kindly, often slightly old-fashioned, or perhaps overly solicitous manner.
A shoulder to cry on, like an aunt: (Original phrase, emphasizing a supportive role) Referring to someone who provides comfort and listens to problems.
Aunt's wisdom: (Original phrase) Sound, practical advice often rooted in life experience, similar to "grandmotherly wisdom."
The aunt of all troubles: (Original phrase, using "aunt" as an intensifier, similar to "mother of all...") A significant or primary source of problems.
To be as caring as your favourite aunt: (Original phrase) To show a high degree of affection and concern.
A favorite maiden aunt: (Historical/Lesser-known phrase) Referring to an unmarried aunt who might be seen as quirky or having a special role in the family.
A family matriarch, a true aunt figure: (Using synonym for similar effect) Describing a respected older woman who holds a central, guiding role in a family or community.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of aunt from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
