English: meaning, definitions and examples

🇬🇧
Add to dictionary

English

 

[ ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

nationality, culture

English also refers to something related to England or its people. This can include cultural aspects such as English cuisine, English history, and English customs.

Synonyms

Anglican, British

Examples of usage

  • The English countryside is beautiful.
  • He enjoys English tea.
  • We had an English breakfast this morning.

Etymology

The word 'English' comes from the Old English 'Englisc,' which referred to the language spoken by the Angles, one of the Germanic tribes that settled in England during the early medieval period. The term was derived from 'Angle,' which is associated with Anglia, an area of present-day northern Germany. Over the centuries, English has evolved significantly due to various influences, including Latin, Norse, and Norman French. The impact of the British Empire expanded English's reach globally, making it a dominant language in trade, science, and diplomacy. Today, English is recognized as a global lingua franca, spoken by millions as a first language and learned by many more as a second language.