alma-ata: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical, Geographical
Quick answer
What does “alma-ata” mean?
The former name (1921–1997) of Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The former name (1921–1997) of Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan.
A historical and cultural reference to the city during its Soviet-era designation; sometimes used nostalgically or in historical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use it as a historical place name.
Connotations
Neutral geographical/historical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specific historical, political, or geographical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “alma-ata” in a Sentence
[be/locate] in Alma-Ata[travel/return] to Alma-Ata[rename] Alma-Ata to AlmatyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alma-ata” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- the Alma-Ata agreement
American English
- the Alma-Ata accords
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in historical context of agreements or companies founded there.
Academic
Used in history, political science, and geography papers discussing Central Asia or the dissolution of the USSR.
Everyday
Very rare; most speakers would use 'Almaty'.
Technical
Used in historical cartography, diplomatic documents, or archival references.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alma-ata”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alma-ata”
- Misspelling as 'Alma Ata' (without hyphen) or 'Almaata'.
- Using 'Alma-Ata' to refer to the modern city in current contexts instead of 'Almaty'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the official name was changed to Almaty in 1997. 'Alma-Ata' is now used primarily in historical contexts.
The name is of Kazakh origin; 'alma' means 'apple', and 'ata' means 'father'. It is often translated as 'father of apples', referencing the region's apple orchards.
The 1978 Alma-Ata Declaration, from an international health conference held there, was a landmark in global public health, advocating for 'Health for All' through primary healthcare.
Use 'Almaty' for all contemporary references. Use 'Alma-Ata' only when specifically discussing the city in its historical, Soviet-era context (pre-1997).
The former name (1921–1997) of Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan.
Alma-ata is usually formal, historical, geographical in register.
Alma-ata: in British English it is pronounced /ˌalmə ˈɑːtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑːlmə ˈɑːtə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ALMA-ATA: A Large Metropolis, Always - A Timeless Antiquity (hints at its historical significance as an ancient city with a modern Soviet-era name).
Conceptual Metaphor
A FADED MAP LABEL (something officially changed but still legible in memory).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary contemporary use of the term 'Alma-Ata'?