The word "European" is spelled using the English alphabet but the pronunciation can be tricky. It is pronounced /jʊərəˈpiːən/ with the stress on the second syllable. The sound /jʊə/ is like "you-uh" and the sound /iːən/ is like "ee-uhn". The spelling "eu" is often pronounced like "yoo" in English, which explains the unique pronunciation of this word. European refers to something or someone that is from Europe, which is a continent located in the northern hemisphere.
European is an adjective that pertains to or originates from the continent of Europe, which is located in the northern hemisphere and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and Asia to the east. It refers to the cultures, peoples, languages, and customs associated with the diverse countries and regions within this continent.
The term "European" can also be used as a noun to describe a person who was born in or is a citizen of a country that is part of Europe. European individuals may share certain common characteristics, such as physical features, historical legacies, and social norms, that are distinct from those of other continents.
Additionally, the adjective "European" can refer to anything that is produced, developed, or influenced by the European continent. This includes art, literature, music, traditions, technology, cuisine, legal systems, political ideologies, and economic practices.
In a broader sense, "European" may also be used metaphorically to describe ideas, principles, or values that are associated with Europe or its countries. This can include ideals such as democracy, human rights, freedom of expression, scientific advancements, diplomacy, cosmopolitanism, and a commitment to civil society.
Overall, the term "European" encompasses a wide range of meanings, reflecting the rich and complex nature of the continent and its multifaceted contributions to various aspects of human civilization.
• A native of Europe.
• Pert. to.
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 "European" originated from the Latin term "europa", which was derived from the Greek mythological figure Europa. In Greek mythology, Europa was a Phoenician princess who was abducted by Zeus, the king of the gods, and taken to the island of Crete. Over time, the term "europa" developed into a geographical designation, referring to the continent that was mostly known as "Europa" in ancient Greece. The word eventually made its way into various other languages, including English, to refer to the people, culture, and geography of the continent.