English

Definition

English refers to the West Germanic language originating in medieval England, now widely used as a global lingua franca; it may also denote the people of England or things relating to England. As an adjective, it describes anything of or relating to England or the English language.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈɪŋ.ɡlɪʃ/
• Respelling: ING-glish

British English

• IPA: /ˈɪŋ.ɡlɪʃ/
• Respelling: ING-glish

Etymology

Old English Englisc “language of the Angles,” from the tribal name Angli (Latin Anglii), from Angeln (a region of northern Germany); later extended to denote people, culture, and other attributes of England.

Derivatives

• Anglicize (verb)
• Anglicism (noun)
• Englishman/Englishwoman (noun)
• Englishness (noun)
• English-speaking (adjective)

Synonyms

• Britannic (adjective)
• Anglophone (noun, adjective)
• UK English (noun)
• Modern English (noun)

Antonyms

• non-English
• foreign

Usage

"She speaks excellent English."

"English literature includes works from Chaucer to contemporary novelists."

"He is of English descent."

Related Terms

• Anglo-Saxon: Early medieval inhabitants of England and their language.
• Britain: The island comprising England, Scotland, and Wales.
• England: A country that is part of the United Kingdom.
• Lingua franca: A language used as a common means of communication.
• Dialect: A regional or social variety of a language.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The West Germanic language spoken in England and widely throughout the world – the language used for communication in many countries.
  • Example: "English is the dominant language of international business."
• The people of England – individuals who are natives or citizens of England.
  • Example: "The English have a rich tradition of tea drinking."

Adjective

• Of or relating to England or its people, language, or culture – describing origin or association with England.
  • Example: "English customs vary from region to region."
• Denoting the version of the language used in England – distinguishing from other varieties such as American or Australian.
  • Example: "She prefers English spelling over American."