Definition

1. Noun:
   • The Western Hemisphere: Specifically refers to the hemisphere that includes North America and South America.
   • The countries of the West: Refers to the nations of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America, often associated with Western civilization.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The cultural influence of the Occident has spread globally. (The cultural influence of the West has spread globally.)
  • Historically, the term "Occident" was used to contrast with the "Orient". (Historically, the term "Occident" was used to contrast with the "Orient".)

Advanced Usage

• "the Occident": Used as a proper noun to refer collectively to the nations and cultures of the Western world.
  • The philosophical traditions of the Occident differ from those of the East. (The philosophical traditions of the West differ from those of the East.)

Variants and Related Words

• Occidental (adj): Pertaining to the Occident or Western countries.
  • She studied Occidental art history. (She studied Western art history.)
• Occidental (n): A native or inhabitant of the Occident.
  • The museum exhibit contrasted perspectives from an Oriental and an Occidental. (The museum exhibit contrasted perspectives from an Easterner and a Westerner.)

Synonyms

• The West: The nations of Europe and the Americas.
• Western world: The countries and cultures of Europe and the Americas.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "Occident" is derived from Latin, meaning "the setting sun" or "west." It is a formal, historical, or literary term often used in contrast to "Orient" (the East). In modern usage, "the West" is far more common.

Noun

1. the hemisphere that includes North America and South America
2. the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America