English
English (adj) means relating to England, its people, or its culture. Example: “She has an English accent, though she grew up in Canada.”
How to use English
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to England or its language — or, in pool and billiards, spin put on the ball.
Word forms
more English comparative, Englished past tense, Englishes plural, Englishes singular, most English superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She has an _____ accent, though she grew up in Canada.
Etymology
From Old English Englisċ, "of the Angles," the Germanic tribe whose name also gave us "England".
Frequently asked questions
What does “English” mean?
The word “English” means relating to England, its people, or its culture. In plain terms, relating to England or its language — or, in pool and billiards, spin put on the ball.
How do you pronounce “English”?
“English” is pronounced IHNG-lihsh (/ˈɪŋ.(ɡ)lɪʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “English” in a sentence?
Here is “English” used in a sentence: “She has an English accent, though she grew up in Canada.”
What part of speech is “English”?
Depending on how it is used, “English” can be an adjective, a name and a noun.
Where does the word “English” come from?
The word “English” comes from Old English. From Old English Englisċ, "of the Angles," the Germanic tribe whose name also gave us "England".
Is “English” a common word?
“English” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “English” have?
“English” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to England, its people, or its culture.
What is the difference between English and British?
"English" relates specifically to England — its people, land, and culture. "British" is broader, covering the whole United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. So all English people are British, but many British people are Scottish, Welsh, or Northern Irish rather than English. The terms are not interchangeable.
Does "English" always refer to the language?
No. As an adjective, "English" can mean relating to England — English weather, an English village — or it can refer to the English language spoken worldwide. Context makes the meaning clear. "An English author" points to nationality, while "an English lesson" points to the language.
What is an example of something English?
A full English breakfast, the English countryside, and English Heritage sites are all tied to England specifically. Cultural touchstones like afternoon tea, cricket, and the works of Shakespeare are often described as English. The word links each of these to England's people, traditions, or landscape.
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