American: meaning, definitions and examples

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American

[əˈmerɪk(ə)n ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

culture

relating to the United States of America or its people.

Synonyms

Americanized, USA, us.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
American	Use to describe something or someone from the United States. Common in general contexts. She is an American citizen. The American culture is diverse.
us	Use as a pronoun to refer to the first-person plural. Can also be used as an abbreviation for the United States but is informal and often found in casual communication. They invited us to the party. I think us kids should stick together.
USA	Use as an abbreviation for the United States of America. Common in formal contexts and writings. The president of the USA is giving a speech today. The USA won the most medals in the Olympics.
Americanized	Use to describe something that has been influenced or adapted to American customs and culture. Often has a slightly negative connotation implying loss of original identity. The restaurant has an Americanized version of the original Italian dish. Over time, the small town became more Americanized.

Examples of usage

American culture is a mix of different influences from around the world.
She is proud of her American heritage.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

nationality

a native or citizen of the United States.

Synonyms

US citizen, US national, yank.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
American	Again, this word can be used in a variety of contexts and is a general term. It may duplicate the previous entry without adding new information. Being an American just means you were born in the USA. He has an American accent.
US citizen	This term is typically used in legal or formal scenarios to emphasize the legal status or nationality of a person. As a US citizen, you have certain rights and responsibilities. A US citizen can hold ordinary and diplomatic passports.
yank	This term is informal and can have a negative or playful connotation. It is often used by non-Americans, particularly British people, to refer to someone from the United States. The Brits often call Americans 'yanks' in a teasing manner. He's just another loudmouthed yank.
US national	This is a formal term and is often used in legal or government contexts. It can also refer to people associated with outlying territories of the US. A US national is eligible for a US passport. US nationals, including those from Guam, are subject to specific regulations.

Examples of usage

Many Americans celebrate Thanksgiving in November.
He is an American living abroad.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'American' originally referred to the indigenous people of the continent before it became associated with Europeans who settled there.
The name derives from Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer, who was one of the first to propose that the lands discovered by Columbus were part of a new continent.
In the late 1700s, the term gained popularity during the American Revolution, symbolizing a sense of national identity among the colonies.

Cultural Diversity

The United States is home to over 331 million people who speak more than 350 languages, reflecting a wide range of cultures and communities.
American culture is a melting pot, incorporating traditions and influences from around the globe due to immigration.
Many cultural movements, such as jazz and hip-hop, originated in America and have spread around the world, showcasing the country’s influence on global arts.

History

The Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776, marked the birth of America as an independent nation, symbolizing freedom and democracy.
Civil Rights movements in the 20th century, led by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., were crucial in seeking equality for African Americans and other minority groups.
America has played significant roles in major world events such as the World Wars and the Cold War, influencing global politics and economics.

Pop Culture

Hollywood is often referred to as the global center for the entertainment industry, producing films and television shows that are widely consumed around the world.
American music genres like blues, rock, and country have largely shaped the global music scene, with artists from these genres finding international fame.
The Super Bowl, an annual championship of the National Football League (NFL), is one of the most-watched sporting events globally, showcasing American football and entertainment.

Geography

The United States is the third largest country in the world by land area, only behind Russia and Canada.
It has a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, plains, deserts, and forests, contributing to various ecosystems.
America is made up of 50 states, each with its own unique culture, laws, and identities, from the hustle of New York to the beaches of California.

Translations

Translations of the word "American" in other languages:

🇵🇹 americano

🇮🇳 अमेरिकी (amerikī)

🇩🇪 Amerikaner

🇮🇩 Amerika

🇺🇦 американець

американка
американський

🇵🇱 Amerykanin

🇯🇵 アメリカ人 (Amerikajin)

🇫🇷 Américain

🇪🇸 Americano

🇹🇷 Amerikalı

🇰🇷 미국인 (migugin)

🇸🇦 أمريكي (amriki)

🇨🇿 Američan

🇸🇰 Američan

🇨🇳 美国人 (Měiguó rén)

🇸🇮 Američan

🇮🇸 Ameríkani

🇰🇿 Американдық (Amerikandyq)

🇬🇪 ამერიკელი (amerikeli)

🇦🇿 Amerikalı

🇲🇽 Estadounidense