Aunt

Definition

Aunt is a noun that refers to the sister of one's parent or the wife of one's uncle. It is used as a term to denote a familial relationship in extended families.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ænt/ or /ɑnt/
• Respelling: ant or ahnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɑːnt/
• Respelling: ahnt

Etymology

The word "aunt" originates from the Old French word "ante" or "aunte," which derived from the Latin "amita," meaning "father’s sister." The term has been in use in English since the 13th century to denote a female relative related through one's parent.

Derivatives

• Auntie (noun)
• Aunthood (noun)
• Great-aunt (noun)
• Grand-aunt (noun)
• Aunty (noun)

Synonyms

• Relative
• Kin
• Family member

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "aunt" is used to refer to a familial relation, specifically the sister of one’s parent or the wife of one’s uncle. For example, "My aunt is visiting this weekend," or "She is very close to her aunt."

Related Terms

• Uncle: The brother of one’s parent or the husband of one’s aunt.
• Cousin: The child of one’s aunt or uncle.
• Nephew/Niece: The child of one’s sibling, for whom one is an aunt or uncle.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The sister of one's father or mother: Refers to a female relative directly related to one’s parent as a sibling.
  • Example: "Her aunt always sent her birthday cards."
• The wife of one’s uncle: Refers to a female relative by marriage to one’s uncle.
  • Example: "His aunt and uncle live nearby."