European Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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European

[ˌjʊərəˈpiːən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

culture

relating to Europe or its inhabitants

Synonyms

continental, euro.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
European

Use when referring to someone or something related to Europe. This is similar to 'European', so the context and examples are the same.

  • European landmarks are famous worldwide
  • She enjoys European festivals
continental

Use when emphasizing the geographical continent of Europe, often in contrast with other continents or in a historical context.

  • The continental drift theory explains the movement of continents
  • Continental Europe has different cultures and traditions
euro

Use when referring to the official currency used by many countries in the European Union.

  • The price of the book is 15 euros
  • They exchanged their dollars for euros before traveling

Examples of usage

  • The European Union
  • European history is full of diversity and richness
Context #2 | Noun

geography

a person from Europe

Synonyms

European citizen, European person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
European

This word is used to describe something or someone related to the continent of Europe. It can refer to the culture, geography, or people of Europe in a general sense.

  • She enjoys European cuisine
  • The European landscape is very diverse
European person

This phrase is used to refer to an individual who comes from Europe or has European heritage. It is often used in a personal or descriptive context.

  • She is a European person with a rich cultural background
  • Meeting a European person was a valuable experience for understanding different perspectives
European citizen

This term is specific to individuals who hold citizenship within a country that is a member of the European Union. It is often used in contexts related to legal rights, residency, and political issues.

  • As a European citizen, he has the right to live and work in any EU country
  • European citizens can participate in European Parliament elections

Examples of usage

  • Many Europeans enjoy traveling
  • She is a proud European

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Diversity

  • Europe is home to over 700 million people and around 240 languages are spoken across the continent.
  • Each country in Europe has its own unique customs and traditions, from cuisine to festivals, showcasing rich cultural diversity.
  • The introduction of the Euro has facilitated economic unity while maintaining individual national identities.

Historical Context

  • Europe has seen the rise and fall of empires, wars, and revolutions, significantly shaping world history.
  • The continent played a crucial role in the Age of Exploration, influencing global trade and colonization.
  • The European Union was established in the late 20th century to promote economic cooperation and prevent future conflicts.

Geography

  • Europe is the second smallest continent but includes a diverse range of landscapes, from mountains to plains to coastlines.
  • Famous geographical features include the Alps, the Danube River, and the British Isles, each contributing to the continent's identity.
  • Despite being bordered by water on many sides, the continent has many land connections to Asia, sometimes considered part of a supercontinent.

Art and Literature

  • European art movements like the Renaissance and Impressionism have deeply influenced global art history.
  • Many of the world's greatest writers, such as Shakespeare, Dickens, and Tolstoy, hailed from Europe, enriching global literature.
  • Europe is well-known for its classical music heritage, including composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach who shaped the musical landscape.

Origin of 'European'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'European' comes from 'Europe', which may have roots in the ancient Greek myth of Europa, a Phoenician princess.
  • Historically, 'Europe' referred more to a geographical region than a specific political entity, evolving through the ages.
  • The term expanded significantly during the Renaissance, when European culture began to spread worldwide.

The term 'European' originated from the Latin word 'europaeus' which in turn came from the Greek word 'eurōpeos', meaning 'of broad face'. The concept of Europe as a distinct cultural and geographical entity has evolved over centuries, with its boundaries and characteristics continually shifting. Today, Europe is recognized as a continent comprising diverse nations and cultures, united by shared history and values.