Westerner Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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westerner
[หwษstษrnษr ]
Definition
person from the western part of a country or region
A westerner is someone who comes from or lives in the western part of a country or region. Westerners are often associated with certain cultural characteristics, such as individualism, independence, and a pioneering spirit.
Synonyms
Occidental, western inhabitant, western person.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| westerner |
Commonly used in casual or general conversation to refer to someone from the Western world, particularly Europe or North America.
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| Occidental |
Frequently found in academic or formal contexts, often used in contrast to 'Oriental' to describe things related to the Western world.
|
| western person |
A simple, straightforward term to describe someone from the Western world, used in both general and somewhat formal contexts.
|
| western inhabitant |
More formal than 'westerner', generally used in demographic, sociological, or geographical discussions to refer to people living in the Western world.
|
Examples of usage
- Many westerners enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
- Being a westerner, she values personal freedom and self-reliance.
- The westerner was impressed by the vast open spaces of the American West.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many countries, westerners are often associated with globalization, technology, and liberal values.
- Cultural exchanges between westerners and non-westerners have contributed to the blending of traditions, cuisines, and arts worldwide.
- The term sometimes carries stereotypes that can lead to misunderstandings about western values and lifestyle.
Sociopolitical Context
- Westerners have historically influenced global policies and economies, often shaping international relations.
- In discussions about cultural imperialism, westerners are frequently critiqued for imposing their values on other cultures.
- The term is often used in international contexts to distinguish between perspectives originating in the west versus those from the global south.
Media and Representation
- In films and literature, westerners are often represented as explorers, adventurers, or leaders, which can shape public perception.
- Western media significantly influences global culture, portraying western lifestyles that some aspire to while others criticize.
- Cultural representations can lead to both admiration and resentment from those in non-western countries.
Origin of 'westerner'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'westerner' comes from the word 'west,' which signifies direction and areas of the world typically associated with Europe and North America.
- The use of 'westerner' to describe people from certain regions became common in the 20th century, especially during the Cold War.
- The difference in worldview and culture between westerners and other global regions often reflects historical contexts.
The term 'westerner' originated in the mid-19th century, originally used to refer to people from the western regions of the United States. It later expanded to encompass anyone from the western part of a country or region. The word highlights the geographical and cultural distinctions between different parts of a country or region.
See also: west, western, Westernize.