British
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for British, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Relating to Britain, its people, or its culture.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use British
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English Brettisc, related to the older Celtic name for the island's early inhabitants.
Full origin of British →Frequently asked questions
What does “British” mean?
The word “British” means relating to Britain, its people, or its culture. In plain terms, describes anything belonging to or connected with Britain — its people, culture, or institutions.
How do you pronounce “British”?
“British” is pronounced BRIH-tihsh (/ˈbɹɪtɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “British” in a sentence?
Here is “British” used in a sentence: “She has a strong British accent.”
What part of speech is “British”?
Depending on how it is used, “British” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “British” come from?
The word “British” comes from Old English. From Old English Brettisc, related to the older Celtic name for the island's early inhabitants.
Is “British” a common word?
“British” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “British” have?
“British” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to Britain, its people, or its culture.
What is the difference between British and English?
British refers to the whole of Britain — England, Scotland, and Wales — and often the wider United Kingdom. English refers only to England or its people. So every English person is British, but a Scottish or Welsh person is British without being English. Using 'English' for all Britons is a common mistake.
What is the difference between British and the United Kingdom?
'British' is the adjective describing people and things from Britain. The United Kingdom is the country itself: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Citizens of the UK are called British, including those from Northern Ireland, even though Northern Ireland is not part of the island of Great Britain. The terms overlap but differ.
Does British include Scotland and Wales?
Yes. Britain, or Great Britain, is the island containing England, Scotland, and Wales, so people from all three are British. The term also extends to Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom. 'British' is therefore an umbrella identity, not a substitute for the separate English, Scottish, and Welsh identities within it.
Is British a nationality?
Yes. British is the official nationality of citizens of the United Kingdom, shown on passports and legal documents. It sits above the national identities of English, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish, which many people also use to describe themselves. Someone can feel Scottish and British at the same time without contradiction.