alaouite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, academic, historical
Quick answer
What does “alaouite” mean?
A member of a Shiite Muslim sect that reveres Ali, or a member of the dynasty that has ruled Morocco since the 17th century.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of a Shiite Muslim sect that reveres Ali, or a member of the dynasty that has ruled Morocco since the 17th century.
Pertaining to the Alawite sect (also known as Alawi or Nusayri) in the Levant, or to the Moroccan royal dynasty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; both regions use the term primarily in academic or historical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties, though in political discourse it may carry specific regional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday language; slightly more common in British English due to historical ties with Morocco and the Levant.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alaouite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Alaouite monarchy has a long history in Morocco.
- He studied Alaouite religious texts.
American English
- The Alaouite dynasty dates back to the 17th century.
- Alaouite communities are found in several countries.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except in contexts related to Moroccan trade or Middle Eastern markets.
Academic
Used in religious studies, history, and political science to discuss the sect or dynasty.
Everyday
Almost never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific to religious, historical, or political discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alaouite”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alaouite”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈæləʊaɪt/ (four syllables) instead of the standard three syllables.
- Confusing the Moroccan dynasty with the Syrian Alawite sect.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'Alaouite' is a French-influenced spelling often used for the Moroccan dynasty, while 'Alawite' is more common for the religious sect, but they are essentially the same term.
No, they are distinct. The Moroccan Alaouites are a dynasty claiming descent from the Prophet Muhammad, while the Syrian Alawites are a religious sect with roots in Shiite Islam.
It is pronounced /ˈæləwaɪt/ (AL-uh-wyte) in both British and American English.
It is primarily used in academic, historical, or religious discussions, and in news related to Moroccan politics or Middle Eastern affairs.
A member of a Shiite Muslim sect that reveres Ali, or a member of the dynasty that has ruled Morocco since the 17th century.
Alaouite is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Alaouite' as 'A-li-ou-ite', linking to Ali, the central figure revered by the sect.
Conceptual Metaphor
Dynasty as a family tree; sect as a spiritual lineage.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'Alaouite' primarily refer to?