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Oriental Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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oriental

[ษ”หหˆriหnt(ษ™)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

culture

Relating to the countries of East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, their peoples, languages, or cultures.

Synonyms

Asian, Far Eastern, eastern.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oriental

Considered outdated and sometimes offensive; previously used to describe people, things, or styles from Asia, particularly East Asia. Use cautiously and preferably avoid it.

  • The oriental art was exhibited at the museum.
Asian

Appropriate and respectful term for describing people, cultures, or things from Asia.

  • Asian cuisine is diverse and delicious.
  • She is interested in Asian history.
eastern

General term used to describe things from the eastern part of a specific region or the world. Often used in broader geographic contexts.

  • Eastern Europe has many beautiful cities.
  • Eastern traditions often emphasize harmony.
Far Eastern

Specifically refers to countries in the easternmost part of Asia, like Japan, China, and Korea. Used in historical or geographical contexts.

  • The Far Eastern markets are growing rapidly.
  • Far Eastern studies are popular in many universities.

Examples of usage

  • The museum has a collection of oriental art.
  • She has a deep interest in oriental philosophy.
Context #2 | Noun

rug

A hand-knotted rug of a type originally made in the Near East.

Synonyms

carpet, rug.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
oriental

Used similarly as the first entry. It is important to note that in modern usage, 'oriental' can sometimes be seen as outdated or potentially offensive when referring to people, so sensitive use is advised.

  • She placed an oriental rug in the center of the room to add a touch of elegance.
  • I found an authentic oriental vase at the antique store.
rug

Typically refers to a smaller piece of thick fabric used to cover a specific area of a floor. Known for being versatile and easy to move, and often used in discussions about interior decoration and comfort.

  • The colorful rug really ties the room together.
  • He bought a new rug to put under the coffee table.
carpet

Commonly used to refer to a large piece of fabric that covers most or all of a floor. Suitable for discussions about interior design or home furnishings. Often used when talking about the material and its installation from wall-to-wall.

  • They chose a soft wool carpet for their new home.
  • We need to clean the carpet before the guests arrive.

Examples of usage

  • The room was decorated with a beautiful oriental rug.
  • He bought an oriental rug for his living room.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • Many scholars argue that the term 'oriental' has colonial connotations, often generalizing diverse cultures into a single category.
  • In modern discourse, the term is increasingly viewed as outdated or inaccurate in academia, leading to debates on cultural representation.
  • Some communities prefer identifiers such as Asian or specific national or ethnic labels to better express their unique identities.

Popular Culture

  • The term 'oriental' has appeared in fashion, art, and cuisine, often evoking stylized or stereotypical representations.
  • Classic films like 'The Man with the Golden Gun' used aspects of 'Orientalism' to create mystique around Eastern cultures, though often criticized for inaccuracies.
  • In literature, 'Oriental' themes often highlighted themes of adventure and exploration, contributing to narratives of Western curiosity.

Linguistics

  • 'Oriental' has evolved in language use, with many preferring context-specific identifiers like Chinese, Japanese, or South Asian.
  • Linguistic studies show that language shapes perception, where broad terms can lead to misunderstandings of rich cultural nuances.
  • The use of 'Oriental' in language reflects historical power dynamics, with implications of superiority and otherness prevalent in its history.

Sociology

  • Sociologists study how the 'Oriental' label impacts identity formation among individuals and communities of Asian descent.
  • The term often influences societal perceptions, where stereotypes can lead to misrepresentation and cultural appropriation.
  • Discussions surrounding 'Oriental' highlight the importance of self-identification and the need for sensitivity in language.

Origin of 'oriental'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'orient' comes from the Latin 'orientalis', meaning 'eastern', which originally described the direction where the sun rises.
  • In medieval times, Europe considered the 'Orient' to be mysterious and exotic, leading to various artistic and literary representations.
  • The term was often used from the 19th century onwards in Western texts to categorize and differentiate Eastern cultures from Western ones.

The term 'oriental' originated in the 14th century and comes from the Latin word 'orientalis', meaning 'eastern'. It was used to describe regions to the east of Europe, particularly the Far East. Over time, the term evolved to refer to cultures, languages, and goods from East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. However, in modern usage, the term 'oriental' has become controversial as it can be seen as outdated and Eurocentric. Some prefer to use more specific terms like 'Asian' or 'Eastern' to avoid potential offense.

See also: disorient, disorientation, disoriented, disorientedly, orient, orientation.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,901, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.