american indian
Definition
- Noun:
- A member of the race of people living in America when Europeans arrived: This term refers to an indigenous person of the Americas, particularly those living in North, Central, or South America prior to and during European colonization.
- Any of the languages spoken by Amerindians: This refers to the diverse family of languages spoken by these indigenous peoples.
Usage Examples
Noun (referring to a person): The museum exhibit honors the history and culture of the American Indian. Many American Indian nations have unique treaties with the U.S. government.
Noun (referring to a language): She is studying an American Indian language, Navajo, to better understand its structure. The preservation of American Indian languages is an important cultural effort.
Advanced Usage
- The term "American Indian" is often used in official, historical, and anthropological contexts. In contemporary usage, many prefer and use terms like Native American, Indigenous American, or the specific name of a nation (e.g., Cherokee, Lakota, Navajo). The choice of terminology can depend on regional preference, context, and individual identity.
Variants and Related Words
- Native American (n): A widely used synonym, especially in the United States.
- Indigenous peoples (n): A broader term encompassing original inhabitants of any land.
- First Nations (n): A term primarily used in Canada for indigenous peoples.
- Amerindian (n): A synonym, often used in anthropological contexts.
Synonyms
- Native American
- Indigenous person
- Amerindian
- First Peoples
Related Phrases and Usage Notes
- American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN): A combined demographic category used in official U.S. contexts.
- Federally recognized tribe: A legal designation in the U.S. for an American Indian or Alaska Native tribal entity.
Important Note on Usage
While "American Indian" is a standard term with historical and legal standing (e.g., in the name "Bureau of Indian Affairs"), it is always respectful to use the specific name of a person's nation or community when known. Awareness of and sensitivity to preferred terminology is crucial.
Noun
-
any of the languages spoken by Amerindians
-
a member of the race of people living in America when Europeans arrived
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