British: meaning, definitions and examples
🇬🇧
British
[ ˈbrɪtɪʃ ]
nationality, culture
Relating to Great Britain or its people. The term encompasses the customs and characteristics associated with people from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He enjoys British literature.
- British cuisine includes fish and chips.
- They went on a British tour.
- She's learning British English.
- The British monarchy has a long history.
nationality
A person from Great Britain. This includes people from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, each having their own distinct identity and culture.
Synonyms
Brit, UK citizen
Examples of usage
- A British individual won the award.
- They are proud to be British.
- As a British citizen, he can travel freely in the EU.
- The British have a rich history.
- Many British people enjoy football.
Translations
Translations of the word "British" in other languages:
🇵🇹 britânico
🇮🇳 ब्रिटिश
🇩🇪 britisch
🇮🇩 Britania
🇺🇦 британський
🇵🇱 brytyjski
🇯🇵 イギリスの
🇫🇷 britannique
🇪🇸 británico
🇹🇷 Britanyalı
🇰🇷 영국의
🇸🇦 بريطاني
🇨🇿 britský
🇸🇰 britský
🇨🇳 英国的
🇸🇮 britanski
🇮🇸 breskur
🇰🇿 британдық
🇬🇪 ბრიტანული
🇦🇿 britaniya
🇲🇽 británico
Word origin
The term 'British' originates from the Latin word 'Britannia', which was used by the Romans to refer to the island of Great Britain. The word is believed to derive from the Proto-Celtic *briga, meaning 'hill' or 'high place', as the land was known for its rolling hills and landscapes. Over time, 'British' evolved to denote the people and culture of the islands. In the late medieval period, during the formation of the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707, the term came to encompass the various national identities of England, Scotland, and Wales, and later Northern Ireland after the partition of Ireland in the early 20th century. Today, 'British' signifies a rich tapestry of histories, languages, and traditions representative of the diverse communities within the UK.