Briton
pronunciation
How to pronounce Briton in British English:
UK [ˈbrɪtn]
How to pronounce Briton in American English:
US [ˈbrɪtn]
-
- Noun:
- a native or inhabitant of Great Britain
- an inhabitant of southern Britain prior to the Anglo-saxon invasions
-
- Adjective:
- characteristic of or associated with the Britons
Word Origin
- Briton (n.)
- Anglo-French Bretun, from Latin Brittonem (nominative Britto, misspelled Brito in MSS) "a member of the tribe of the Britons," from *Britt-os, the Celtic name of the Celtic inhabitants of Britain and southern Scotland before the 5c. Anglo-Saxon invasion drove them into Wales, Cornwall, and a few other corners. In 4c. B.C.E. Greek they are recorded as Prittanoi, which is said to mean "tattooed people." Exclusively in historical use after Old English period; revived when James I was proclaimed King of Great Britain in 1604, and made official at the union of England and Scotland in 1707.
Example
- 1. A briton was executed in mali by an al-qaeda cell .
- 2. The study found the average briton only knows two jokes .
- 3. Fewer than one briton in five believes official figures are produced objectively .
- 4. The average mexican now lives longer than the average briton did in 1955 .
- 5. Among the dead were 18 foreigners , including six americans and a briton .