The word "British" is spelled with six letters, and its pronunciation can be represented by the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈbrɪ.tɪʃ/. The first sound is a voiced bilabial consonant /b/, followed by a short vowel sound /ɪ/. Then there is a voiceless alveolar consonant /t/ and another short vowel sound /ɪ/. The penultimate sound is a voiced fricative consonant /ʃ/, and finally, there is another voiceless consonant /t/. This is the standard spelling and pronunciation of the word used to refer to anything related to Great Britain or its people.
British refers to something or someone related to the United Kingdom, a country located in northwestern Europe comprising England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The term encompasses all aspects of the country's culture, history, governance, language, and people. The term "British" is often used to describe citizens or people born in the United Kingdom, or those who hold British citizenship. It also includes individuals who live within the British Overseas Territories, such as Gibraltar or Falkland Islands.
British culture is rich and diverse, showcasing influences from various periods throughout history. This includes ancient Celtic traditions, Roman and Anglo-Saxon heritage, and the impact of the British Empire. British English is the primary language spoken throughout the United Kingdom, although there are regional dialects and accents across the country.
British society is known for its moderation, politeness, and adherence to traditional values. The country has a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary system of government, with the monarch serving as the ceremonial head of state. British cuisine is varied, drawing inspiration from neighboring European countries, with popular dishes such as fish and chips, roast beef, and full English breakfast.
In addition to the term's geographical connotation, "British" can also describe products or cultural elements originating from the United Kingdom, such as British literature, music, fashion, or sports. Overall, the term "British" encompasses a wide range of elements that define the United Kingdom and its people.
Pert. to Britain or its people.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "British" comes from the Old English word "Bryttisc", which is derived from the Late Latin term "Britannicus". "Britannicus" refers to anything related to Britain and the Britons, who were the indigenous Celtic people inhabiting the island before the arrival of the Romans. The Latin term itself is a variation of the Greek word "Prettanikos" or "Πρεττανικός", which was used to describe the people inhabiting the island of Great Britain.