Aunt vs. Uncle — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 28, 2023
An aunt is the sister of one's parent or spouse's parent. An uncle is the brother of one's parent or spouse's parent.
Difference Between Aunt and Uncle
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
An aunt holds a special role in a family as the sister of one's mother or father. On the other hand, an uncle takes his position as the brother of one's mother or father.
In certain cultures, the title "aunt" or "aunty" is also given as a mark of respect to an older woman, regardless of her familial relation. Similarly, "uncle" can be used as an honorific for older men in some societies, irrespective of blood ties.
When exploring family trees and genealogy, discovering the presence of an aunt might mean uncovering maternal or paternal ties through sisters of one's parents. In contrast, identifying an uncle points to ties through brothers of one's parents.
On festive or family occasions, it's common to receive blessings or gifts from an aunt. Similarly, an uncle often provides advice, gifts, or even playful teasing during family gatherings.
In literature and popular culture, aunts and uncles sometimes play pivotal roles, offering guidance or being key characters in a protagonist's journey. Both share the distinction of being closely related but one step removed from the immediate parental figure.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Relation
Sister of one's parent.
Brother of one's parent.
Honorific use
Sometimes used for older women.
Sometimes used for older men.
Genealogical role
Indicates ties through parent's sister.
Indicates ties through parent's brother.
Cultural depictions
Often seen as caring or nurturing.
Sometimes seen as advisers or jesters.
Gender
Female.
Male.
Compare with Definitions
Aunt
A female relative by marriage, such as the sister of one's mother-in-law or father-in-law.
After the wedding, Sarah became my aunt.
Uncle
A male relative by marriage, like the brother of one's mother-in-law or father-in-law.
When my sister married Paul, his brother became my uncle.
Aunt
A term of endearment for an older woman in some cultures.
I always buy candy from the corner store and chat with Aunt Mae, though we're not related.
Uncle
A male figure often seen as wise, playful, or protective in literature or folklore.
The story revolves around a young boy's adventures with his magical uncle.
Aunt
A female figure often associated with warmth and guidance in literature or folklore.
In the story, the protagonist often turned to his wise aunt for advice.
Uncle
A man who plays a significant, often guiding role in one's life without being biologically related.
I always seek advice from Tom; he's like an uncle to me.
Aunt
The sister of one's mother or father.
My aunt Karen is my mother's youngest sister.
Uncle
An uncle is a male relative who is a sibling of a parent or married to a sibling of a parent. Uncles who are related by birth are second-degree relatives.
Aunt
A woman who holds a position similar to that of a parent in one's life, though not biologically related.
Lisa isn't related to me, but she's like an aunt because she's been there since I was a baby.
Uncle
The brother of one's mother or father.
Aunt
An aunt is a woman who is a sibling of a parent or married to a sibling of a parent. Aunts who are related by birth are second-degree relatives.
Uncle
The husband of a sibling of one's mother or father.
Aunt
The sister of one's father or mother.
Uncle
Used as a form of address for an older man, especially by children.
Aunt
The wife of a sibling of one's mother or father.
Uncle
A kindly counselor.
Aunt
Used as a form of address for an older woman, especially by children.
Uncle
(Slang) A pawnbroker.
Aunt
The sister or sister-in-law of one’s parent.
Uncle
Uncle Uncle Sam.
Aunt
The female cousin or cousin-in-law of one’s parent.
Uncle
The brother or brother-in-law of one’s parent.
Aunt
(affectionate) A woman of an older generation than oneself, especially a friend of one's parents, by means of fictive kin.
Uncle
The male cousin of one’s parent.
Aunt
(obsolete) Any elderly woman.
Uncle
(affectionate) Used as a fictive kinship title for a close male friend of one's parent or parents.
Aunt
(obsolete) A procuress or bawd.
Uncle
(euphemistic) Used as a title for the male companion to one's (usually unmarried) parent.
Aunt
The sister of one's father or mother; - correlative to nephew or niece. Also applied to an uncle's wife.
Uncle
(figuratively) A source of advice, encouragement, or help.
Aunt
An old woman; and old gossip.
Uncle
A pawnbroker.
Aunt
A bawd, or a prostitute.
Uncle
An affectionate term for a man of an older generation than oneself, especially a friend of one's parents, by means of fictive kin.
Aunt
The sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
Uncle
An older African-American male.
Uncle
Any middle-aged or elderly man older than the speaker and/or listener.
Uncle
A cry used to indicate surrender.
Uncle
To address somebody by the term uncle.
Uncle
To act like, or as, an uncle.
Uncle
A pawnbroker.
Uncle
An eldery man; - used chiefly as a kindly or familiar appellation, esp. (Southern U. S.) for a worthy old negro; as, "Uncle Remus."
Plain old uncle as he [Socrates] was, with his great ears, - an immense talker.
Uncle
The brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
Uncle
A source of help and advice and encouragement;
He played uncle to lonely students
Uncle
A term used respectfully for an older man in certain cultures.
I asked Uncle Jack, the old man at the park, about the history of our town.
Common Curiosities
Can friends of my parents be referred to as aunt or uncle?
Yes, in many cultures, close family friends are often affectionately termed "aunt" or "uncle" even without blood ties.
Can someone become an uncle without having siblings?
Yes, if someone marries an individual who has nieces or nephews, they become an uncle through marriage.
If my aunt or uncle marries, what do I call their spouse?
Typically, their spouse also becomes your aunt or uncle through marriage.
Is the term "auntie" the same as "aunt"?
"Auntie" is a more informal or endearing term for "aunt," but they essentially mean the same.
How can I differentiate between maternal and paternal aunts and uncles?
You can specify using terms like "maternal aunt" (mother's sister) or "paternal uncle" (father's brother).
What's the male equivalent of a "grand-aunt"?
It's a "grand-uncle" or "great-uncle."
How do "half-aunt" and "half-uncle" relate to me?
A "half-aunt" or "half-uncle" is a half-sibling of one of your parents.
Can "aunt" and "uncle" be used outside of family contexts?
Yes, in some cultures and contexts, "aunt" and "uncle" are used as titles of respect for older individuals.
What is the primary difference between an aunt and an uncle?
An aunt is the sister of one's parent, while an uncle is the brother of one's parent.
What's another term for "great-aunt" or "great-uncle"?
They can also be referred to as "grand-aunt" and "grand-uncle."
Are "grand-aunt" and "great-aunt" the same?
Generally, yes. Both terms refer to the sister of one's grandparent.
Is the role of an aunt and uncle the same in all cultures?
While the familial relation is consistent, the cultural significance or roles of aunts and uncles can vary.
Is there a special term for the children of my aunt or uncle?
Yes, they are your cousins.
How do I address the sibling of my grandparent?
You'd address them as your "great-aunt" or "great-uncle."
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Korma vs. Vindaloo
Next Comparison
Suntan vs. TanAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
