Europeans: meaning, definitions and examples
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Europeans
[ jʊˈrəːpiənz ]
people from Europe
Europeans are the inhabitants or citizens of Europe, which is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. The term can refer to people from any of the countries within Europe, encompassing a broad range of cultures, languages, and histories.
Synonyms
European nationals, European people, continentals
Examples of usage
- Europeans have a diverse range of customs.
- Many Europeans travel extensively within their continent.
- Europeans often celebrate various cultural festivals.
Word origin
The term 'European' originates from the Latin word 'Europa,' which has ancient Greek roots. 'Europa' was a Phoenician princess in Greek mythology, and the name came to represent the geographical region comprising many countries to the west of Asia. Over time, the term evolved to be associated with the people inhabiting the continent of Europe itself. The concept of Europe as a distinct region began to take shape during the Middle Ages, as cultural, political, and religious contexts differentiated Europeans from peoples of other continents. As the concept of Europe developed, so did the identity of Europeans, influenced by factors such as the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and subsequent historical events, including colonialism and globalization.